Proverbs 12:16
Proverbs 12:16 in Multiple Translations
A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
A fool’s vexation is presently known; But a prudent man concealeth shame.
A foolish man lets his trouble be openly seen, but a sharp man keeps shame secret.
Stupid people get angry immediately, but if you're sensible you ignore an insult.
A foole in a day shall be knowen by his anger: but he that couereth shame, is wise.
The fool — in a day is his anger known, And the prudent is covering shame.
A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
A fool immediately sheweth his anger: but he that dissembleth injuries is wise.
Foolish people quickly become angry when someone does something that they don’t like; but those who have good sense ignore it when others insult them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 12:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱוִ֗יל
בַּ֭/יּוֹם
יִוָּדַ֣ע
כַּעְס֑/וֹ
וְ/כֹסֶ֖ה
קָל֣וֹן
עָרֽוּם
אֱוִ֗יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
fool(ish)
Adj
בַּ֭/יּוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
יִוָּדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
כַּעְס֑/וֹ
kaʻaç
H3708
vexation
N-ms | Suff
וְ/כֹסֶ֖ה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Qal
קָל֣וֹן
qâlôwn
H7036
dishonor
N-ms
עָרֽוּם
ʻârûwm
H6175
prudent
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 12:16
אֱוִ֗יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
"fool(ish)"
Adj
The Hebrew word for a foolish person, someone who despises wisdom or mocks when guilty. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are quarrelsome or licentious. The KJV translates it as 'fool' or 'foolish man'.
Definition: 1) be foolish, foolish 1a) (subst) 1a1) of one who despises wisdom 1a2) of one who mocks when guilty 1a3) of one who is quarrelsome 1a4) of one who is licentious
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish) (man). See also: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 107:17.
בַּ֭/יּוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
יִוָּדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כַּעְס֑/וֹ
kaʻaç
H3708
"vexation"
N-ms | Suff
This noun refers to the feeling of anger or frustration, like in Deuteronomy 32 where it describes God's vexation with the Israelites. It can also mean grief or provocation. It's a strong negative emotion.
Definition: anger, vexation Also means: ka.as (כַּ֫עַשׂ "vexation" H3708B)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: anger, angry, grief, indignation, provocation, provoking, [idiom] sore, sorrow, spite, wrath. See also: Deuteronomy 32:19; Psalms 10:14; Psalms 6:8.
וְ/כֹסֶ֖ה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Conj | V-Qal
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
קָל֣וֹן
qâlôwn
H7036
"dishonor"
N-ms
This word refers to feelings of shame or dishonor, like when someone does something wrong. It is used in Proverbs to describe the shame of foolish behavior. The Bible teaches that God can restore honor to those who repent.
Definition: 1) shame, disgrace, dishonour, ignominy 1a) ignominy (of nation) 1b) dishonour, disgrace (personal)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: confusion, dishonour, ignominy, reproach, shame. See also: Job 10:15; Proverbs 18:3; Psalms 83:17.
עָרֽוּם
ʻârûwm
H6175
"prudent"
Adj
The Hebrew word for being prudent or cunning, often in a negative sense. It appears in Proverbs 12:16 and 12:23, warning against deceitful behavior. This idea is also found in Genesis 3:1, describing the serpent's cleverness.
Definition: 1) subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly, sensible 1a) crafty 1b) shrewd, sensible, prudent
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crafty, prudent, subtil. See also: Genesis 3:1; Proverbs 13:16; Proverbs 12:16.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:16
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:16
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
14By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him.
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.
16A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
17He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. 18Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 29:11 | A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. |
| 2 | James 1:19 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, |
| 3 | Proverbs 10:12 | Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. |
| 4 | Proverbs 25:28 | Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper. |
| 5 | Proverbs 17:9 | Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends. |
| 6 | Proverbs 16:22 | Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly. |
| 7 | Proverbs 14:33 | Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 19:1–2 | Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed!” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 20:30–34 | Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the disgrace of the mother who bore you? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingship shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!” “Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?” Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David. Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger and did not eat any food that second day of the month, for he was grieved by his father’s shameful treatment of David. |
Proverbs 12:16 Summary
[This verse teaches us that when someone is foolish, they often react quickly with anger, but a wise person takes a step back and chooses not to respond to insults. This is because they know that reacting in anger can hurt others and themselves, as seen in Proverbs 29:11. By choosing to overlook an insult, we can respond in a way that is kind and wise, like Jesus taught in Matthew 5:39. As we strive to be more like the prudent man in this verse, we can ask God to help us develop self-control and respond to situations with love and kindness, as encouraged in Colossians 4:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a fool's anger and a prudent man's response to insult?
According to Proverbs 12:16, a fool's anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult, demonstrating self-control and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 15:1 where a soft answer turns away wrath.
Is it ever right to express anger or frustration?
While the Bible teaches that a prudent man overlooks an insult, it's also important to note that righteous anger, like Jesus' anger in John 2:13-17, can be a proper response to injustice or sin, but it should be expressed in a way that honors God.
How can I become more like the prudent man in this verse?
To become more like the prudent man, focus on developing self-control, as taught in Proverbs 25:28, and practice responding to situations with wisdom and kindness, as encouraged in Colossians 4:6.
What are the consequences of not controlling my anger?
Uncontrolled anger can lead to hurtful words and actions, damaging relationships and causing harm to oneself and others, as warned in Proverbs 29:11 and Ephesians 4:26-27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I tend to react with anger or frustration, and how can I respond more wisely in the future?
- How can I cultivate self-control and patience in my daily interactions with others, especially when faced with insults or challenges?
- What are some ways I can 'overlook an insult' without ignoring or dismissing the issue, but rather responding in a way that honors God and promotes peace?
- In what ways can I practice 'fruitful speech' and 'wise counsel' in my relationships, as encouraged in Proverbs 12:14 and 15?
- How can I balance standing up for what is right with responding to situations with kindness and humility, as taught in Proverbs 12:17-18?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:16
A fool's wrath is presently known,.... Having no command of himself, he cannot repress it, nor keep it in; no sooner is he provoked but he shows it in his countenance, and by his words and actions;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:16
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. A fool's wrath is presently (Hebrew, in that very day; Hosea 4:5) known: but a prudent man covereth shame - namely, the shame or insult put upon him by others.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
Is presently known, by his rash words and indecent actions, whereby he exposeth himself to shame. Covereth shame; either, 1. The shame, or reproach, or injury done to him by others, which he concealeth and beareth with patience, and passeth by, as his duty and interest obligeth him to do. Or, 2. His own shame, to which the folly of rash anger would have betrayed him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
Proverbs 12:16 A fool’ s wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame. Ver. 16. A fool’ s wrath is presently known.] He hath no power over his passions. Hence τϊι, a fool, and τϊΰν, suddenly, rashly, are from the same root. Like tow, he is soon kindled; like a pot, he soon boils; and like a candle whose tallow is mixed with brine, as soon as lighted he spits up and down the room. A fool uttereth all his mind. The Septuagint render it, All his anger - θυμον. For, as the Hebrews well note in a proverb they have, A man’ s mind is soon discovered, bekis, bekos, becoynos; - in loculis, in poculis, in ira; - in his purse, in his drink, in his anger. See my "Common Place of Anger." But a wise man covereth shame.] By concealing his wrath, or rather by suppressing it when it would break forth to his disgrace, or the just grief of another. Ut fragilis glacies, occidit ira mora.
This was Saul’ s wisdom; and Jonathan’ s, when, incensed by his father’ s frowardness, he went shooting; and Ahasuerus, when in a rage against Haman, he walked into the garden. The philosopher wished Augustus, when angry, to say over the Greek alphabet; Ambrose desired an angel’ s authority; Theodosius to repeat the Lord’ s Prayer before he decreed anything. Ovid.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
(16) A fool’s wrath is presently known.—He cannot contain himself if he thinks himself slighted or injured; the “prudent man,” on the other hand, “covereth shame,” not noticing an insult at the time, but waiting for a convenient opportunity of telling the offender of his fault and bringing him to a better mind (Matthew 18:15).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
Verse 16. A fool's wrath is presently known] We have a proverb very like this, and it will serve for illustration: - A fool's bolt is soon shot. A weak-minded man has no self-government; he is easily angered, and generally speaks whatever comes first to his mind.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:16
16. presently] Lit. in the (same) day. Comp. “Will they make an end in one (lit. the) day?” Nehemiah 4:2 [Heb. 3:34]; αὐθημερόν, LXX.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:16
The “fool” cannot restrain his wrath; it rushes on “presently” (as in the margin, on the same day, however, uselessly.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:16
16. A fool’s wrath (vexation) is presently known — Hebrew, the same day. He does not control his temper, but allows others to witness his provocation.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Tongue of a Disciple) the Satan Controlled Tongue by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wise and thoughtful speech when delivering God's word. He compares preparing a message to preparing a meal for a special gu |
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Why Are You Angry? by Israel Wayne | This sermon by Israel Wayne focuses on the topic of anger, exploring the biblical perspective on anger, its roots, and the importance of self-control. Wayne delves into the dangers |
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The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a |
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Step 8 on Freedom From Anger and on Meekness. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the destructive nature of anger and the importance of cultivating meekness and patience to overcome this passion. He emphasizes the need for self-e |
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Clean and Unclean Anger by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett preaches on the transformation and purification of anger, emphasizing the need to put away worldly anger fueled by envy, jealousy, and spite, and instead cultivat |
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Righteous Indignation by Harmon A. Baldwin | Harmon A. Baldwin delves into the concept of righteous indignation, exploring the fine line between this and what is commonly known as anger or impatience. Various definitions and |
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God Uses Foolish Things - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger | The sermon transcript provided is not coherent and does not contain any clear message or topic. It seems to be a jumble of unrelated thoughts and statements. There is no mention of |