Proverbs 12:23

23 Wise people keep what they know to themselves, but fools can't keep from showing how foolish they are.

Proverbs 12:23 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 12:23

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 their mouths in a noisy and clamorous way; and while they declare their ill shaped notions, their incoherent and unconnected ideas of things, they betray their ignorance and folly, as ostentatious men do.

Proverbs 12:23 In-Context

21 No harm comes to a good person, but an evil person's life is full of trouble.
22 The Lord hates those who tell lies but is pleased with those who keep their promises.
23 Wise people keep what they know to themselves, but fools can't keep from showing how foolish they are.
24 Hard workers will become leaders, but those who are lazy will be slaves.
25 Worry is a heavy load, but a kind word cheers you up.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.