Proverbs 13:16

16 A fell man doeth all things with counsel; but he that is a fool, shall open folly. (A clever person doeth everything with forethought, or only after advice; but he who is a fool, shall lay open his foolishness for all to see.)

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 law of a wise man is a well of life; that he bow away from the falling of death, that is, of sin, and of hell. (The teaching of the wise is a well of life; so that thou bow away from the falling of death, that is, from sin, and from hell.)

15 Good teaching shall give grace; a swallow is in the way of despisers. (Good teaching shall bring favour; a pit is on the way of despisers.)

16 A fell man doeth all things with counsel; but he that is a fool, shall open folly. (A clever person doeth everything with forethought, or only after advice; but he who is a fool, shall lay open his foolishness for all to see.)

17 The messenger of a wicked man shall fall into evil; a faithful messenger is health. (A wicked messenger shall fall into evil; but a faithful messenger bringeth health/victory/salvation, or deliverance.)

18 Neediness and shame is to him that forsaketh teaching; but he that assenteth to a blamer, shall be glorified. (Neediness and shame shall be for him who abandoneth his teaching, or his instruction; but he who assenteth to a rebuker, shall be honoured.)