21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.
Proverbs 16:21
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 4:23–25
23 Don’t refrain from speaking when it is for safety. Don’t hide your wisdom for the sake of seeming fair. (WEB) 24 For wisdom will be known by speech, and instruction by the word of the tongue. (WEB) 25 Don’t speak against the truth and be shamed for your ignorance. (WEB)
Sirach 20:26–28
26 The destination of a liar is dishonor. His shame is with him continually. (WEB) 27 He who is wise in words will advance himself. And one who is prudent will please great men. (WEB) 28 He who tills his land will raise his harvest high. He who pleases great men will get pardon for… (WEB)
Sirach 20:12–14
12 There is one who buys much for a little, and pays for it again sevenfold. (WEB) 13 He who is wise in words will make himself beloved; but the pleasantries of fools will be wasted. (WEB) 14 The gift of a fool will not profit you, for he looks for repayment many times instead of o… (WEB)
Sirach 3:28–30
28 The calamity of the proud has no healing, for a weed of wickedness has taken root in him. (WEB) 29 The heart of the prudent will understand a proverb. A wise man desires the ear of a listener. (WEB) 30 Water will quench a flaming fire; almsgiving will make atonement for sins. (WEB)
Proverbs 15:1–3
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.
Proverbs 10:7–9
7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. 8 A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin. 9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
Proverbs 18:14–16
14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? 15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. 16 A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
Proverbs 15:6–8
6 The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
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