The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 12:23

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

A prudent man concealeth knowledge (Proverbs 12:16; Proverbs 10:14). He is not wont to utter unadvisedly what he knows, but waits for fitting opportunity, either from humility or wise caution. Of course, in some cases reticence is sinful.

The LXX; reading the passage differently, renders, "A prudent man is the seat of intelligence ( θρόνος αἰσθήσεως)." The heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness (Proverbs 13:16; Proverbs 15:2). A foolish man cannot help exposing the stupid ideas that arise in his mind, which he considers wisdom.

Septuagint, "The heart of fools shall meet with curses."

More for Proverbs 12:23

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 12:1-28Proverbs 12:1-28 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION Matthew Henry on Proverbs 12:23Proverbs 12:23 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryFoolish men proclaim to all the folly and emptiness of their minds.Matthew Henry on Proverbs 12:23Proverbs 12:23 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleNote, 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…The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 12:23Proverbs 12:23 · The Pulpit CommentaryConcealing knowledge I. KNOWLEDGE MUST FIRST BE POSSESSED. We cannot hide what we do not hold. The idea of secreting knowledge suggests the owning a large amount of it, or at least of knowledge of some value. The trades…The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 12:23Proverbs 12:23 · The Pulpit CommentaryExperimental truths: 1. Prudent reserve and foolish babbling I. PRUDENCE HAS REGARD TO TIME, PLACE, AND PERSONS; FOLLY HAS NONE. II. PRUDENCE KNOWS THAT THERE IS A TIME FOR SILENCE; THE FOOL WILL STILL BE TALKING. A qui…

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 12:1-28EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Proverbs 12:23Foolish men proclaim to all the folly and emptiness of their minds.Matthew Henry commentaryMatthew Henry on Proverbs 12:23Note, 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…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 12:23Concealing knowledge I. KNOWLEDGE MUST FIRST BE POSSESSED. We cannot hide what we do not hold. The idea of secreting knowledge suggests the owning a large amount of it, or at least of knowledge of some value. The trades…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 12:23Experimental truths: 1. Prudent reserve and foolish babbling I. PRUDENCE HAS REGARD TO TIME, PLACE, AND PERSONS; FOLLY HAS NONE. II. PRUDENCE KNOWS THAT THERE IS A TIME FOR SILENCE; THE FOOL WILL STILL BE TALKING. A qui…Joseph S. Exell and contributors