Bible Strands
Proverbs 12:23
A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The wisdom writer addresses a general audience within a structured collection of moral instructions, placing this maxim between warnings against falsehood and exhortations to diligence.
The words — עָרוּם ('A.rum) = sensible and אִוֶּלֶת ('i.Ve.let) = foolishness frame the contrast between restrained insight and exposed ignorance.
The thread — This theme of measured speech versus reckless exposure recurs in Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13, and Proverbs 13:16.
Why it lands — The text demands a reader evaluate whether their speech conceals or broadcasts their understanding, requiring deliberate restraint rather than impulsive disclosure.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.
- Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
- Proverbs 11:13 A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.
- Proverbs 10:14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.
- Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
- Ecclesiastes 10:3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.
- Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.