Proverbs 13:16
Proverbs 13:16 in Multiple Translations
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.
Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
Every prudent man worketh with knowledge; But a fool flaunteth his folly.
A sharp man does everything with knowledge, but a foolish man makes clear his foolish thoughts.
All wise people act intelligently, but stupid people demonstrate their stupidity.
Euery wise man will worke by knowledge: but a foole will spread abroade folly.
Every prudent one dealeth with knowledge, And a fool spreadeth out folly.
Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.
Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
The prudent mall doth all things with counsel: but he that is a fool, layeth open his folly.
Those who have good sense always think carefully/wisely before they do something; foolish people show by what they say and do that they are foolish.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:16
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 13:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּל
עָ֭רוּם
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
בְ/דָ֑עַת
וּ֝/כְסִ֗יל
יִפְרֹ֥שׂ
אִוֶּֽלֶת
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עָ֭רוּם
ʻârûwm
H6175
prudent
Adj
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְ/דָ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
Prep | N-fs
וּ֝/כְסִ֗יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Conj | Adj
יִפְרֹ֥שׂ
pâras
H6566
to spread
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִוֶּֽלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
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 13:16
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
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.
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בְ/דָ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
Prep | 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.
וּ֝/כְסִ֗יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Conj | 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.
יִפְרֹ֥שׂ
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
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 13:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:16
Context — A Father’s Discipline
14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death.
15Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult.
16Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.
17A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. 18Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:2 | The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. |
| 2 | Proverbs 12:22–23 | Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight. A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly. |
| 3 | Ephesians 5:17 | Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. |
| 4 | Isaiah 52:13 | Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 10:3 | Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. |
| 6 | Romans 16:19 | Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. |
| 7 | Proverbs 21:24 | Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 14:20 | Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 25:10–11 | But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?” |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 25:17 | Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!” |
Proverbs 13:16 Summary
[Proverbs 13:16 teaches us that wise people think before they act, and they make decisions based on what they know to be true. This is important because it helps us avoid trouble and make good choices, as seen in Proverbs 22:3. On the other hand, foolish people often act without thinking, and their actions can get them into trouble. By seeking wisdom and knowledge, we can make better decisions and live more wisely, as encouraged in Psalm 119:66.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be prudent in the context of Proverbs 13:16?
To be prudent means to act with wisdom and caution, considering the consequences of our actions, as seen in Proverbs 22:3, where it says, 'A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, but the naive proceed and punishment they will receive.'
How does a fool display his folly according to this verse?
A fool displays his folly through his actions and decisions, which are often reckless and lacking in wisdom, as mentioned in Proverbs 12:23, where it says, 'A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.'
What is the significance of acting with knowledge as mentioned in Proverbs 13:16?
Acting with knowledge means making informed decisions based on wisdom and understanding, which is a key aspect of living a virtuous life, as emphasized in Psalm 119:66, where it says, 'Teach me knowledge and good discernment, for I believe in Your commandments.'
How can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs 13:16 in our daily lives?
We can apply this wisdom by seeking knowledge and understanding before making decisions, and by being cautious and thoughtful in our actions, as encouraged in James 1:5, where it says, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply the principle of acting with knowledge and prudence?
- How can I balance being cautious and wise with being bold and courageous in my decisions and actions?
- In what ways have I seen the consequences of foolish behavior in my own life or in the lives of others, and what can I learn from those experiences?
- What role does humility play in seeking knowledge and wisdom, and how can I cultivate a humble heart in my pursuit of wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. Every prudent (man) dealeth with knowledge - acteth with judgment, not inconsiderately.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:16
Dealeth, Heb. acteth, or doth, manageth all his affairs, with knowledge; considerately and discreetly. Layeth open his folly, by his heady and foolish actions.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:16
Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent [man] dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open [his] folly.Ver. 16. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge.] Observes circumstances, and deports himself with discretion; thrusts not himself into unnecessary dangers; carves not a piece of his heart but to those he is well assured of. See an instance of this prudence in Ezra; in Nehemiah, he calls it not the place of God’ s worship - such an expression that heathen king might have disgusted - but the place of his father’ s sepulchres; in Esther, who concealed her stock and kindred till she saw her time; in Christ, when he was tried for his life; in Paul, who lived two years at Ephesus, and spake not much against the worship of their great goddess Diana. "The prudent shall keep silence in an evil time." It is not good provoking evil men that are irreformable, nor safe pulling a bear or mad dog by the ear. But a fool layeth open his folly.] Plasheth it, and setteth it a sunning, as it were, by his headlong, headstrong exorbitances. By his inconsiderate courses he openly bewrays and proclaims what he is; he sets his folly "upon the cliff of the rock, that it should not be covered."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:16
16. dealeth] Rather, worketh. He works with knowledge, turning it to good account for beauty and profit, as a cunning artificer does with precious metals, Exodus 31:4-5, where the Heb. word is the same. This, however, is probably intended by dealeth, A.V. Comp. our use of the words deal, dealer, in connection with trade or traffic. layeth open] Rather, spreadeth, A.V. marg., or spreadeth out, R.V. text, exposes it. “When your money is all in copper you may afford to throw it about, but when it is all in gold you have to be cautious.” Horton.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:16
16. Dealeth with knowledge — Acts with thought, or foresight of what he is about to do. A fool layeth open — Or spreads abroad.
Sermons on Proverbs 13:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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Preach It Practically by Arthur Vess | Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of simplicity in preaching, urging preachers to convey profound truths in straightforward language that all can grasp. He highlights the need |
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Jordan (I) by George Herbert | George Herbert emphasizes the importance of sincerity and truth in worship and poetry, questioning the need for elaborate fictions and false beauty. He highlights the essence of ge |
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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 |
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Be Filled With the Holy Spirit - 1 by Zacharias Tanee Fomum | In this sermon, the speaker asks the audience to reflect on what has changed in their hearts in the last five years. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and removing negati |
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(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to |
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Few Find the Way to Life - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life of purity and truth, following Jesus wholeheartedly, and desiring to be in His presence at all times. It challenges believers |