Proverbs 12:23

23 A clever person conceals knowledge, but the heart of a fool announces folly.

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 evil will happen} to the righteous, but the wicked are filled [with] trouble.

22 An abomination of Yahweh are lips of deceit, but they who act faithfully [are] his delight.

23 A clever person conceals knowledge, but the heart of a fool announces folly.

24 The hand of the diligent ones will rule, but the lazy will belong to forced labor.

25 Anxiety in the heart of a man will weigh him down, but a good word will cheer him.

Footnotes

• [a] Or "mind"
• [b] Hebrew "fools"