Proverbs 12:23 A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.

Bible > Proverbs > Chapter 12 > Verse 23

◄ Proverbs 12:23 ►

New International Version
The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.

New Living Translation
The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.

English Standard Version
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

Berean Standard Bible
A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.

King James Bible
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

New King James Version
A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

New American Standard Bible
A prudent person conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

NASB 1995
A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly.

NASB 1977
A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly.

Legacy Standard Bible
A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly.

Amplified Bible
A shrewd man is reluctant to display his knowledge [until the proper time], But the heart of [over-confident] fools proclaims foolishness.

Christian Standard Bible
A shrewd person conceals knowledge, but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A shrewd person conceals knowledge, but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.

American Standard Version
A prudent man concealeth knowledge; But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

Contemporary English Version
Be sensible and don't tell everything you know--only fools spread foolishness everywhere.

English Revised Version
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A sensible person [discreetly] hides knowledge, but foolish minds preach stupidity.

Good News Translation
Smart people keep quiet about what they know, but stupid people advertise their ignorance.

International Standard Version
A prudent man keeps what he knows to himself, but the hearts of fools shout forth their foolishness.

Majority Standard Bible
A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.

NET Bible
The shrewd person conceals knowledge, but foolish people publicize folly.

New Heart English Bible
A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.

Webster's Bible Translation
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

World English Bible
A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
A prudent man is concealing knowledge, "" And the heart of fools proclaims folly.

Young's Literal Translation
A prudent man is concealing knowledge, And the heart of fools proclaimeth folly.

Smith's Literal Translation
A prudent man covered knowledge: and the heart of the foolish will meet folly.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
A cautious man concealeth knowledge: and the heart of fools publisheth folly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
A resourceful man conceals knowledge. And the heart of the unwise provokes foolishness.

New American Bible
The shrewd conceal knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim folly.

New Revised Standard Version
One who is clever conceals knowledge, but the mind of a fool broadcasts folly.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
A prudent man is the seat of knowledge; but the heart of fools proclaims evil.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
A cunning man is a seat of knowledge, and the heart of fools proclaims evil.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
A prudent man concealeth knowledge; But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Loving Discipline and Knowledge
…22Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight. 23A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly. 24The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.

Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

Matthew 7:6
Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

Ecclesiastes 10:3
Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.

Proverbs 10:14
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.

Proverbs 14:33
Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known.

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Proverbs 18:2
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Proverbs 17:27-28
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

Ecclesiastes 5:3
As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.

Proverbs 11:13
A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Treasury of Scripture

A prudent man conceals knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

prudent

Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Proverbs 11:13
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

but

Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

Ecclesiastes 10:3,12-14
Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool…

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Proverbs 12

1. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge

Berean Study Bible

A shrewd man
The term "shrewd" in this context is derived from the Hebrew word "עָרוּם" (arum), which implies being prudent, sensible, or wise. In the biblical context, shrewdness is often associated with a deep understanding and discernment that comes from a heart aligned with God's wisdom. Historically, shrewdness was a valued trait in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where survival often depended on one's ability to navigate complex social and political landscapes. In a spiritual sense, a shrewd man is one who exercises discretion and discernment, reflecting the wisdom that comes from a relationship with God.

keeps his knowledge to himself
The phrase suggests a deliberate choice to withhold or guard one's understanding. The Hebrew root "כָּסָה" (kasah) means to cover or conceal. This does not imply selfishness but rather a wise restraint. In biblical times, knowledge was a precious commodity, and the wise person understood the value of timing and context in sharing it. This restraint is a mark of maturity and wisdom, recognizing that not all knowledge is beneficial to share in every situation. It reflects a heart that is cautious and considerate, understanding the power of words and the impact they can have.

but a foolish heart
The word "foolish" comes from the Hebrew "אֱוִיל" (ewil), which denotes a lack of wisdom or moral insight. In the Bible, foolishness is often contrasted with wisdom and is characterized by a rejection of God's ways. The "heart" in Hebrew thought is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. A foolish heart, therefore, is one that is not aligned with God's wisdom and is prone to impulsive and reckless behavior. This phrase highlights the internal condition that leads to outward folly.

proclaims its folly
The verb "proclaims" is from the Hebrew "קָרָא" (qara), meaning to call out or announce. This suggests a public declaration, often without consideration of the consequences. In ancient cultures, public speech was a powerful tool, and the foolish person is depicted as one who lacks the discretion to know when to speak and when to remain silent. "Folly" here is the Hebrew "אִוֶּלֶת" (ivvelet), which refers to senselessness or lack of judgment. The verse contrasts the wise restraint of the shrewd man with the reckless openness of the fool, emphasizing the biblical principle that true wisdom often involves knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. This serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control and the value of wisdom in guiding our words and actions.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(23) A prudent man concealeth knowledge.--Till the right opportunity for bringing it forth presents itself; while "the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness," cannot help blurting out and displaying its ignorance and folly, which it mistakes for wisdom.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 23. - A prudent man concealeth knowledge (ver. 16; Proverbs 10:14). He is not wont to utter unadvisedly what he knows, but waits for fitting opportunity, either from humility or wise caution. Of course, in some cases reticence is sinful. The LXX., reading the passage differently, renders, "A prudent man is the seat of intelligence (θρόνος αἰσθήσεως)." The heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness (Proverbs 13:16; Proverbs 15:2). A foolish man cannot help exposing the stupid ideas that arise in his mind, which he considers wisdom. Septuagint, "The heart of fools shall meet with curses."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

A shrewd
עָ֭רוּם (‘ā·rūm)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6175: Crafty, shrewd, sensible

man
אָדָ֣ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

keeps
כֹּ֣סֶה (kō·seh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover

his knowledge {to himself},
דָּ֑עַת (dā·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847: Knowledge

but a foolish
כְּ֝סִילִ֗ים (kə·sî·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

heart
וְלֵ֥ב (wə·lêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

proclaims
יִקְרָ֥א (yiq·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

its folly.
אִוֶּֽלֶת׃ (’iw·we·leṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 200: Silliness

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OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge (Prov. Pro Pr)