Solomon had commended eloquence, or the sweetness of the lips (v. 21),
and seemed to prefer it before wisdom; but here he corrects himself, as
it were, and shows that unless there be a good treasure within to
support the eloquence it is worth little. Wisdom in the heart is the
main matter. 1. It is this that directs us in speaking, that teaches
the mouth what to speak, and when, and how, so that what is spoken may
be proper, and pertinent, and seasonable; otherwise, though the
language be ever so fine, it had better be unsaid. 2. It is this that
gives weight to what we speak and adds learning to it, strength of
reason and force of argument, without which, let a thing be ever so
well worded, it will be rejected, when it comes to be considered, as
trifling. Quaint expressions please the ear, and humour the fancy, but
it is learning in the lips that must convince the judgment, and sway
that, to which wisdom in the heart is necessary.