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Proverbs 12:23
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Jonathan EdwardsJonathan EdwardsSummary
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, And a heart-fool proclaims imbecility. In 23a Pro 12:16 is repeated, only a little changed; also 16a corresponds with 23a, for, as is there said, the fool knows not how to keep his anger to himself, as here, that a heart-fool (cf. the lying mouth, 22a) proclaims (trumpets forth), or as Pro 13:16 says, displays folly without referring to himself the si tacuisses. To this forward charlatan blustering, which intends to preach wisdom and yet proclaims in the world mere folly, i.e., nonsense and imbecility, and thereby makes itself troublesome, and only to be laughed at and despised, stands in contrast the relation of the אדם ערוּם, homo callidus, who possesses knowledge, but keeps it to himself without bringing it forth till an occasion presents itself for setting it forth at the right place, at the right time, and to the right man. The right motive also regulates such silence as well as modesty. But this proverb places it under the point of view of prudence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
concealeth--by his modesty (Pro 10:14; Pro 11:13). heart . . . proclaimeth--as his lips speak his thoughts (compare Ecc 10:3).
John Gill Bible Commentary
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.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. He that is wise does not affect to proclaim his wisdom, and it is his honour that he does not. He communicates his knowledge when it may turn to the edification of others, but he conceals it when the showing of it would only tend to his own commendation. Knowing men, if they be prudent men, will carefully avoid every thing that savours of ostentation, and not take all occasions to show their learning and reading, but only to use it for good purposes, and then let their own works praise them. Ars est celare artem - The perfection of art is to conceal it. 2. He that is foolish cannot avoid proclaiming his folly, and it is his shame that he cannot: The heart of fools, by their foolish words and actions, proclaims foolishness; either they do not desire to hide it, so little sense have they of good and evil, honour and dishonour, or they know not how to hide it, so little discretion have they in the management of themselves, Ecc 10:3.
Proverbs 12:23
Loving Discipline and Knowledge
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.
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Diary - Dwight's Preface - 1829
By Jonathan Edwards0PSA 139:23PRO 12:23PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6Sereno 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 Edwards' deep religious thoughts and feelings, intended solely for his own reflection and improvement. Edwards used shorthand to conceal certain thoughts, following the wisdom of Proverbs 12:23, 'A prudent man concealeth knowledge.' The diary provides a unique insight into the sincere and humble reflections of a man seeking to grow spiritually and draw closer to God.
Diary - After Receiving Masters Degree - 1723
By Jonathan Edwards0PSA 19:14PSA 119:105PRO 3:5PRO 12:23MAT 6:34PHP 4:6COL 3:2HEB 4:12JAS 1:221PE 5:7Jonathan 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 virtue and religion. He acknowledges the need to address hidden faults, maintain a positive attitude in difficulties, and prioritize spiritual meditation and prayer. Edwards emphasizes the significance of free, religious conversation, the glorification of God, and the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. He also highlights the dangers of worldly distractions, the value of self-denial, and the transformative power of Scripture in maintaining a vibrant spiritual life.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, And a heart-fool proclaims imbecility. In 23a Pro 12:16 is repeated, only a little changed; also 16a corresponds with 23a, for, as is there said, the fool knows not how to keep his anger to himself, as here, that a heart-fool (cf. the lying mouth, 22a) proclaims (trumpets forth), or as Pro 13:16 says, displays folly without referring to himself the si tacuisses. To this forward charlatan blustering, which intends to preach wisdom and yet proclaims in the world mere folly, i.e., nonsense and imbecility, and thereby makes itself troublesome, and only to be laughed at and despised, stands in contrast the relation of the אדם ערוּם, homo callidus, who possesses knowledge, but keeps it to himself without bringing it forth till an occasion presents itself for setting it forth at the right place, at the right time, and to the right man. The right motive also regulates such silence as well as modesty. But this proverb places it under the point of view of prudence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
concealeth--by his modesty (Pro 10:14; Pro 11:13). heart . . . proclaimeth--as his lips speak his thoughts (compare Ecc 10:3).
John Gill Bible Commentary
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.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. He that is wise does not affect to proclaim his wisdom, and it is his honour that he does not. He communicates his knowledge when it may turn to the edification of others, but he conceals it when the showing of it would only tend to his own commendation. Knowing men, if they be prudent men, will carefully avoid every thing that savours of ostentation, and not take all occasions to show their learning and reading, but only to use it for good purposes, and then let their own works praise them. Ars est celare artem - The perfection of art is to conceal it. 2. He that is foolish cannot avoid proclaiming his folly, and it is his shame that he cannot: The heart of fools, by their foolish words and actions, proclaims foolishness; either they do not desire to hide it, so little sense have they of good and evil, honour and dishonour, or they know not how to hide it, so little discretion have they in the management of themselves, Ecc 10:3.