Proverbs 12:23

23 A sensible person [discreetly] hides knowledge, but foolish minds preach stupidity.

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 [lasting] harm comes to a righteous person, but wicked people have lots of trouble.
22 Lips that lie are disgusting to the LORD, but honest people are his delight.
23 A sensible person [discreetly] hides knowledge, but foolish minds preach stupidity.
24 Hard-working hands gain control, but lazy hands do slave labor.
25 A person's anxiety will weigh him down, but an encouraging word makes him joyful.
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