Proverbs 13:16

16 All who are prudent act with^[a] knowledge, but fools expose their folly.

Proverbs 13:16 in Other Translations

16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

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

16 Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

16 A commonsense person lives good sense; fools litter the country with silliness.

16 Every prudent man worketh with knowledge; But a fool flaunteth [his] folly.

16 Any sensible person acts with knowledge, but a fool displays stupidity.

16 Every sensible person acts knowledgeably, but a fool displays his stupidity.

16 Wise people act in keeping with the knowledge they have. But foolish people show how foolish they are.

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, turning a person from the snares of death.

15 Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.

16 All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.

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

18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

Cross References

• 1. Ecclesiastes 10:3
• 2. Esther 5:11; S Psalms 38:5; Proverbs 12:23

Footnotes

• [a] Or "prudent protect themselves through"