Proverbs 12:23
Proverbs 12:23 in Multiple Translations
A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
A prudent man concealeth knowledge; But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
A sharp man keeps back his knowledge; but the heart of foolish men makes clear their foolish thoughts.
If you're sensible, you don't show off your knowledge, but stupid people announce their stupidity.
A wise man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of the fooles publisheth foolishnes.
A prudent man is concealing knowledge, And the heart of fools proclaimeth folly.
A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
A cautious man concealeth knowledge: and the heart of fools publisheth folly.
Those with good sense do not reveal all that they know; foolish people show clearly by what they say that they ◄are ignorant/have not learned much►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:23
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 12:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָדָ֣ם
עָ֭רוּם
כֹּ֣סֶה
דָּ֑עַת
וְ/לֵ֥ב
כְּ֝סִילִ֗ים
יִקְרָ֥א
אִוֶּֽלֶת
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
עָ֭רוּם
ʻârûwm
H6175
prudent
Adj
כֹּ֣סֶה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Qal
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
וְ/לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
heart
Conj | N-ms
כְּ֝סִילִ֗ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
יִקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִוֶּֽלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 12:23
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
עָ֭רוּם
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.
כֹּ֣סֶה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
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.
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
וְ/לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Conj | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
כְּ֝סִילִ֗ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
יִקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אִוֶּֽלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:23
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
21No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.
23A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.
24The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. 25Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 13:16 | Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly. |
| 2 | Proverbs 11:13 | A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence. |
| 3 | Proverbs 10:19 | When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:2 | The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. |
| 5 | Proverbs 10:14 | The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 10:3 | Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 10:12–14 | The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? |
Proverbs 12:23 Summary
[This verse is saying that a wise person knows when to keep quiet and when to speak up, and they think carefully before sharing their thoughts with others, as seen in Proverbs 12:23. A foolish person, on the other hand, blurts out their thoughts without thinking, and often ends up looking silly or causing trouble. This is similar to what we see in Proverbs 10:19, which says 'When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.' By being thoughtful and wise with our words, we can avoid hurting others and build stronger relationships, as encouraged in Proverbs 15:1.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a 'shrewd man' in Proverbs 12:23?
A shrewd man is someone who is wise and discerning, knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, as seen in Proverbs 12:23, and this wisdom is a gift from God, as stated in James 1:5.
Is it always wrong to share our thoughts and knowledge with others?
No, it's not always wrong to share our thoughts, but as Proverbs 12:23 suggests, we should be careful about when and how we share them, considering the wisdom in Proverbs 15:1, which says 'A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.'
What is the difference between a 'foolish heart' and a 'shrewd man' in this verse?
A foolish heart is one that acts impulsively and lacks self-control, proclaiming its folly for all to see, whereas a shrewd man is wise and thoughtful, keeping his knowledge to himself, as seen in Proverbs 12:23, and this contrast is also seen in Proverbs 29:11.
How can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs 12:23 in our daily lives?
We can apply this wisdom by being mindful of our words and actions, considering the impact they may have on others, and seeking to be wise and discerning in all our interactions, as encouraged in Colossians 4:6, which says 'Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in which I have spoken impulsively, and how could I have handled them more wisely?
- How can I cultivate the habit of being a 'shrewd man,' keeping my knowledge to myself and speaking thoughtfully?
- What are some ways in which I can use my words to build others up, rather than tearing them down, as seen in Ephesians 4:29?
- In what ways can I seek to be more like the 'shrewd man' in Proverbs 12:23, and less like the 'foolish heart'?
- How can I balance the need to be wise and discerning with the need to be open and honest with others, as seen in Proverbs 27:6?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:23
Concealeth knowledge; he doth not vain-gloriously and unseasonably utter what he knows, but keeps it in his breast till he hath a fit occasion to bring it forth for God’ s glory, and the good of others. Proclaimeth foolishness; whilst he makes ostentation of his knowledge, he betrays his ignorance and folly. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:23
Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.Ver. 23. A prudent man concealeth knowledge,] scil., Till he finds a fit time to vent it; for then "the lips of the wise do spread abroad knowledge." He is no niggard where there is need, but loves not to outlash. Taciturnity is a virtue with him; Tacitus a good historian, Persae magnam rem sustineri posse non credunt ab eo cui tacere grave sit; - The Persians hold not him fit for great employments that cannot keep counsel, saith Curtius. But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.] In it is, and out it must: Pleni rimarum sunt, they can keep no counsel, hold no secrets, must needs tell all, whatever come of it: ut qui nec tacere nec prudenter loqui norint; they can neither hold their tongue nor use it to purpose. The moralist adviseth ησιγανηκρεισσονασιγηςλεγειν, - either to say nothing, or that which is better than nothing. And Socrates, being asked by one how he might have the reputation of a wise man, First, said he, thou must hold thy tongue oftener than speak; secondly, thou must learn how to frame thy speeches. Curtius, lib. iv.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:23
(23) A prudent man concealeth knowledge.—Till the right opportunity for bringing it forth presents itself; while “the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness,” cannot help blurting out and displaying its ignorance and folly, which it mistakes for wisdom.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:23
Verse 23. A prudent man concealeth knowledge] "If a fool hold his peace he may pass for a wise man." I have known men of some learning, so intent on immediately informing a company how well cultivated their minds were, that they have passed either for insignificant pedants or stupid asses.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:23
23. the heart] Comp. “The heart of fools is in their mouth; But the mouth of wise men is their heart.” Sir 21:26.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:23
Another aspect of the truth of Pro 10:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:23
23. A prudent man — A wary or subtle man. Concealeth knowledge — Does not tell all he knows; wisely retains his knowledge for his own benefit. Comp. Proverbs 10:14. Proclaimeth foolishness — Or folly. Dr.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Diary - After Receiving Masters Degree - 1723 by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards reflects on his resolutions and observations after receiving his Master's degree at Yale, focusing on the importance of duty, self-examination, and the pursuit of |
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Diary - Dwight's Preface - 1829 by Jonathan Edwards | Sereno Dwight, in 1829, introduces Jonathan Edwards' diary, which begins when he was nineteen years old in 1722. The diary, initially written on detached slips of paper, reveals Ed |
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From the Death of Alexander the Great to the Death of Judas Maccabeus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus preaches about the wise and courageous actions of Joseph, a man who cleverly managed the farming of taxes in Syria, gained the favor of King Ptolemy, and secured h |
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New Covenant- the First Body of Christ -Part 7 by Zac Poonen | This sermon focuses on the theme of righteousness as seen in the story of Joseph in Matthew chapters 1 and 2. It emphasizes the importance of not hastily judging or speaking evil a |
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Step 10 on Slander or Calumny. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the dangers of slander, highlighting how it stems from hatred and malice, draining the blood of charity and leading to the ruin of chastity. He emp |
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Stop Talking About Evil by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes the importance of using words that build up and provide what is needed, rather than harmful words that can cause damage. He warns against the dangers of unre |
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(2006 Conference) 3.controlling Our Tongue by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech and the balance needed in various areas of our lives. It highlights the dangers of being imbalanced, focusing on sma |