Proverbs 16:21

The wise in heart shall be called prudent.

The wise in heart

I. These words are an assertion that true wisdom will show itself in a prudent conduct of life. His wisdom will gain him the reputation of a discreet, serious, and sensible man. Wisdom is the mother of intellectual and prudence of practical virtues. It may be said that wisdom may be separated from prudence, that knowing and doing are two things. There are many men in the world who have wise heads and foolish hearts--men of good capacities, clear understandings, well improved by reading and observation; but they have some odd humour, fond opinion, beloved lust, which hinders them from living according to their knowledge. Such wise men as these Solomon puts into the catalogue of his “fools,” because they have the means of doing well in their power, and make no use of them. The prudent man is careful to enter upon good ways, and walk uprightly in them. He chooses honest ends, and takes honest methods to attain them. A false and counterfeit wisdom is wholly made up of fallacies and cunning devices. “The folly of fools is deceit.” Their sense, learning, reasonings, and vivacity of wit serve but to heighten their folly, to sweeten their delusions, and confirm them in their errors. This is the case where wisdom rests only in the head: but when it descends to the heart, and warms the affections with the love of that which is good, it fails not to bless the world with a truly valuable and useful man. He that is truly wise differs from a conceited, talkative man in this, that he thankfully receives good advice, and avoids the dangers of which he is admonished.

II. A comparison between wisdom and eloquence. The powerful charms of eloquence add value to wisdom. Solomon in several places testifies his approbation of ornaments of speech. Wisdom and eloquence united together are very desirable talents in a legislator, governor, or teacher of religion. Moses and Jeremiah seem, however, to have lacked this gift of eloquence. Eloquence should be put under the direction of wisdom. There is no heresy or other error in religion but what has prevailed and gained acceptance by abused eloquence.

III. The words of the text intimate a rule of profitable teaching. In order to get wisdom, we must study to know ourselves, and see what faculties and talents God hath bestowed upon us, and by daily use and exercise improve them, and add both to their weight and number. Jesus Christ is called the “Wisdom of God,” as containing in Himself all the treasures of Divine wisdom. His hearers asked, “Whence hath this man this wisdom?” His prudence was far superior to the craft and contrivance of His enemies. He had also all external advantages of an eloquent speaker. They said, “Never man spake like this man.” The same gifts He promised to bestow on His apostles for the same end and purpose. He that seeks after wisdom by his prayers to God, and his reading and hearing of His holy Word, and honest, application of it in the ordering of his life, shall not seek in vain. Though his wisdom seem at first but as a grain of mustard-seed, by a diligent cultivation of it that wisdom will wonderfully increase and bring forth abundance of fruit. (W. Reading, M.A.)

Wise-hearted folk

The “wise in heart” are those who, under the influences of sound principles, know how to “order their affairs with discretion.” Men of the most splendid powers and attainments are not always the most remarkable for practical good sense. Better, therefore, in many respects, is the man whose wisdom regulates his temper and affections, his words and actions, aright. That is far more important for the production of personal and social happiness than the most brilliant genius without it. He shall be “called prudent” means his having a character for it: his being looked up to, respected, consulted, confided in, chosen as an adviser. Such a man is more valuable and useful than the man of mere learning, who has not discretion and common sense to guide the use of it. It is, at the same time, of great moment, that along with the possession of wisdom and prudence there be the sweetness of the lips, or honeyed lips, gentleness and persuasiveness of counsel, impressive eloquence of speech, which gives vast advantage in the application of wisdom for the benefit of others. It “increaseth learning,” effectually spreading it, rendering others wise as well as the possessor himself. If the “wise in heart” be understood of the truly, spiritually, divinely wise, then the phrase “shall be called prudent” must be interpreted, according to a common Hebrew idiom, as meaning “is prudent,” deserves to be so called. The sentiment will thus be the oft-repeated one, that true religion is the only genuine prudence. Godliness has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come. (R. Wardlaw, D.D.)