Pro 16:21 | NET2full | STEP | The one who is wise in heart is called discerning , and kind speech increases persuasiveness .

‏ Proverbs 16:21

21 The one who is wise in heart ^{▼▼tn Heb “wise of heart” (so NRSV).} is called ^{▼▼tn Heb “to the wise of heart it will be called discerning.” This means that the wise of heart, those who make wise decisions (“heart” being the metonymy), will gain a reputation of being the discerning ones.} discerning,
and kind speech ^{▼▼tn Heb “sweetness of lips.” The term “lips” is a metonymy of cause, meaning what is said. It is a genitive of specification. The idea of “sweetness” must be gracious and friendly words. The teaching will be well-received because it is both delightful and persuasive (cf. NIV “pleasant words promote instruction”).} increases persuasiveness. ^{▼▼tn Heb “teaching” or “receptivity”; KJV “learning”; NIV “instruction.”}