Bible Strands
Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The wisdom teacher addresses the reader through a sequence of practical contrasts regarding conduct and consequences, positioned between instructions on winning favor and the risks of unfaithful messengers.
The words — The Hebrew עָרוּם ('A.rum) denotes a sensible person, while יִפְרֹשׂ (yif.Ros) literally means he spreads out, describing how a fool publicly exhibits his lack of understanding.
The thread — This contrast between prudent action and exposed folly echoes in Proverbs 15:2, which contrasts the wise tongue with the fool’s mouth, and Ephesians 5:17, which commands readers to avoid foolishness and understand divine will.
Why it lands — The text states that prudent conduct stems from deliberate knowledge while foolishness is inevitably revealed through public display, requiring the reader to examine whether their actions reflect careful consideration or careless exposure.
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
Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
- Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.
- Ephesians 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
- Ecclesiastes 10:3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.
- Isaiah 52:13 Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
- Romans 16:19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.
- 1 Samuel 25:10 But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters.
- 1 Samuel 25:17 Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!”
- 1 Samuel 25:25 My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent.
- Psalms 112:5 It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.