Verse (Click for Chapter) 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 VersionA 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 BibleA 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 BibleA 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 1917A 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.… 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… Jump to Previous Clear Concealeth Conceals Folly Foolish Foolishness Fools Heart Hearts Keeps Makes Proclaim Proclaimeth Proclaims Prudent SharpJump to Next Clear Concealeth Conceals Folly Foolish Foolishness Fools Heart Hearts Keeps Makes Proclaim Proclaimeth Proclaims Prudent SharpProverbs 12 1. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledgeA shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself This phrase highlights the virtue of discretion and wisdom. In biblical context, shrewdness is often associated with prudence and the ability to make sound judgments. The Hebrew word for "shrewd" can also mean "prudent" or "sensible," suggesting a person who is wise in handling information. This aligns with the teachings in Proverbs 10:19, which advises restraint in speech. The cultural context of ancient Israel valued wisdom and understanding, often associating them with righteousness and godliness. The idea of keeping knowledge to oneself can be seen as a form of humility and self-control, qualities that are esteemed throughout Scripture. Jesus exemplified this in His ministry, often choosing when to reveal certain truths and to whom, as seen in Matthew 13:10-11, where He explains why He speaks in parables. but a foolish heart proclaims its folly Persons / Places / Events 1. Shrewd ManRepresents a wise and discerning individual who exercises discretion and prudence in sharing knowledge. 2. Foolish Heart Symbolizes a person lacking wisdom, who is quick to speak without understanding or consideration of the consequences. Teaching Points Value of DiscretionDiscretion is a hallmark of wisdom. A shrewd person understands the power of words and chooses when and how to share knowledge. Guarding the Heart The heart is the wellspring of life. A foolish heart reveals its folly through careless words, indicating the need for spiritual vigilance and self-control. Wisdom in Silence Sometimes, silence is more powerful than words. Knowing when to speak and when to remain silent is a sign of maturity and understanding. Impact of Words Words have the power to build up or tear down. A wise person uses words to edify and encourage, while a fool's words often lead to harm and misunderstanding. Cultivating Prudence Prudence involves foresight and careful judgment. It is cultivated through prayer, study of Scripture, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.(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.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 shrewdעָ֭רוּם (‘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 Links Proverbs 12:23 NIVProverbs 12:23 NLT Proverbs 12:23 ESV Proverbs 12:23 NASB Proverbs 12:23 KJV Proverbs 12:23 BibleApps.com Proverbs 12:23 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 12:23 Chinese Bible Proverbs 12:23 French Bible Proverbs 12:23 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge (Prov. 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