Proverbs 12:23

A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. A PRUDENT MAN CONCEALETH KNOWLEDGE - not that he grudges to impart his knowledge to others, but he does not obtrude it, nor make a display of it, nor babble out all he knows, in order that he maybe counted wise. But he brings it forth in the fitting time and place. BUT THE HEART OF FOOLS PROCLAIMETH FOOLISHNESS. Trying to make a display of knowledge, it only betrays its foolishness. Fools, wise in their own esteem, babble out everything at random; not wisdom, which they have not, but foolishness, which they have. Proclaiming foolishness is attributed to the fool's heart, not to his mouth; for a fool's heart is in his mouth. He has no sense within. On the contrary, "The month of the wise is in their heart" ( Sir 21:26 )....

Verse Proverbs 12:23. _A PRUDENT MAN CONCEALETH KNOWLEDGE_] "If a fool hold his peace he may pass for a wise man." I have known men of some learning, so intent on immediately informing a company how well cultivated their minds were, that they have passed either for _insignificant pedants_ or _stupid asses_....

Another aspect of the truth of Proverbs 10:14....

EXPOSITION PROVERBS 12:1 INSTRUCTION; correction, discipline, which shows a man his faults, gives him a lowly opinion of himself, and opens his mind to receive _knowledge, _especially the knowledge of himself and of all moral obligations. IS BRUTISH; is as insensible to higher aspirations, to regret for the past or hope of amendment, as a brute beast (comp. Proverbs 30:2). On this point St. Augustine is quoted: "Quicumque corripi non vis, ex eo sane corripiendus es quia corripi non vis. Non vis enim tua tibi vitia demonstrari; non vis ut feriantur, fiatque tibi utilis dolor, quo medicum quaeras; non vis tibi tu ipse ostendi, ut cum deformem te vides, reformaturum desideres, eique supplices ne in illa remaneas foeditate

A PRUDENT MAN CONCEALETH KNOWLEDGE,.... Of things natural or divine, which he is furnished with; not but that he is willing to communicate it, as he should, at proper times, in proper places, and to proper persons; but he does not needlessly and unseasonably speak of it; he does not make a show of it, or boast and brag of it: he modestly forbears to speak of what he knows, but when there is a necessity for it, even of that which may be lawfully divulged; which is a point of prudence and modesty; otherwise it is criminal to reveal secrets, or publish what should be kept private or should not be known. Aben Ezra interprets it of a wise man's hiding his knowledge in his heart, that he may not forget it; BUT THE HEART OF FOOLS PROCLAIMETH FOOLISHNESS; that which they have in their hearts and minds, and which they take for deep knowledge, profound and recondite learning, they proclaim with t...

CHAPTER 12 THE CONTRAST IN RELATION TO VARIOUS CONDITIONS In these proverbs we have the righteous mentioned, his thoughts, his words, his domestic relationship, his attitude toward animal creation Proverbs 12:10); his diligence; all is contrasted with the wicked in these beautiful antithetic expressions of wisdom. The thoughts of the righteous are right Proverbs 12:5), because his heart is right; his words bring deliverance Proverbs 12:6); in speaking truth he showeth forth righteousness Proverbs 12:17); his tongue is health Proverbs 12:1

PROVERBS 12. Here we have a number of proverbs handling the favourite subject of retribution (Proverbs 12:2 f., Proverbs 12:7; Proverbs 12:14; Proverbs 12:21; Proverbs 12:28). Several deal with speech (Proverbs 12:6; Proverbs 12:13; Proverbs 12:16;...

CONCEALETH KNOWLEDGE. Illustrations: Samuel (1 Samuel 9:27. Compare Proverbs 10:16); Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:2; Nehemiah 6:3). FOOLS. Hebrew. _kesil._ See note on Proverbs 1:7. Not the same word as in verses: Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 12:16; Proverbs 12:24 shall bear r

THE HEART] Comp. "The heart of fools is in their mouth; But the mouth of wise men is their heart." Sir 21:26....

TEXT Proverbs 12:20-28 20. Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; But to the counsellors of peace is joy. 21. There shall be no mischief happen to the righteous; But the wicked shall be filled with evil. 22. Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; But they that deal truly are his delight. 23. A prudent man concealeth knowledge; But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. 24. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork. 25. Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop; But a good word maketh it glad. 26. The righteous is a guide to his neighbor; But the way of the wicked causeth them to err. 27. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting; But the precious subst