Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
Original Language Analysis
אָדָ֣ם
man
H120
אָדָ֣ם
man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
1 of 8
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
כֹּ֣סֶה
concealeth
H3680
כֹּ֣סֶה
concealeth
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
וְלֵ֥ב
but the heart
H3820
וְלֵ֥ב
but the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
5 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
כְּ֝סִילִ֗ים
of fools
H3684
כְּ֝סִילִ֗ים
of fools
Strong's:
H3684
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
Cross References
Proverbs 13:16Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.Proverbs 10:19In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.Proverbs 11:13A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.Proverbs 10:14Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom valued discretion, especially in royal courts where revealing information prematurely could have fatal consequences. Joseph's wisdom included knowing when to interpret dreams publicly versus privately. Daniel understood when to speak boldly to kings and when to remain silent. The prudent in Israel's society earned trust by not revealing secrets or displaying knowledge inappropriately. Conversely, fools who spoke without filter damaged relationships and opportunities.
Questions for Reflection
- In what contexts should you exercise discretion about displaying your knowledge or opinions?
- How can you balance the call to speak truth with the wisdom to remain silent at appropriate times?
- What does it reveal about your heart when you feel compelled to constantly demonstrate your knowledge or correct others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb contrasts discretion with foolish display. "A prudent man concealeth knowledge" shows wisdom's restraint. Adam arum (אָדָם עָרוּם, a prudent/shrewd man) kosseh da'at (כֹּסֶה דָּעַת, conceals knowledge). Arum denotes shrewdness, craftiness, prudence—someone who thinks before acting. This person doesn't display all they know; they exercise discretion about when, how, and to whom they reveal understanding.
"But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness" presents unrestrained folly. Lev kesilim yiqra ivvelet (לֵב כְּסִילִים יִקְרָא אִוֶּלֶת, the heart of fools cries out foolishness). Fools cannot contain their ignorance—it erupts publicly. Their foolishness isn't hidden but proclaimed, broadcasted, advertised to all.
The proverb teaches strategic communication. Wisdom knows when to speak and when to remain silent. Ecclesiastes 3:7 teaches there's "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." Amos 5:13 warns: "The prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time." Jesus demonstrated this—sometimes explaining mysteries to disciples privately (Matthew 13:10-11), other times remaining silent before accusers (Matthew 26:63). Paul became all things to all people, adapting communication strategically (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Fools, lacking self-control, expose their ignorance constantly. Wise believers speak truth in love, with grace and discretion (Colossians 4:6).