Proverbs 13:16

16 ¹In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, ²but a fool flaunts his folly.

Proverbs 13:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 13:16

Every prudent [man] dealeth with knowledge
In order to get more, and with men of knowledge for the same purpose; all he does is with knowledge and discretion; he does not meddle with things, nor has he to do with persons, he knows nothing of; he both acts and speaks with knowledge, cautiously, wisely, considering well time, place, and persons: and every wise and good man deals with evangelical knowledge, and studies to grow in the knowledge of the Gospel, and the mysteries of it; in the knowledge of Christ, and of God in Christ; the issue of which is life eternal; but a fool layeth open [his] folly;
or "spreads" ^F17 it; and exposes it to the view of everyone, by his foolish talk and indiscreet actions.

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 (vrpy) "expandit", Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis.

Proverbs 13:16 In-Context

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

15 Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.

16 In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.

18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.

Cross References

• 1. 13:16 [ch. 12:23; 15:2]
• 2. 13:16 [ch. 18:2; Eccles. 10:3]