Proverbs 29:11
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
ר֭וּחוֹ
all his mind
H7307
ר֭וּחוֹ
all his mind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
2 of 7
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
יוֹצִ֣יא
uttereth
H3318
יוֹצִ֣יא
uttereth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 7
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Cross References
Proverbs 19:11The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.Proverbs 12:16A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.Micah 7:5Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.Proverbs 12:23A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.Proverbs 14:33Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.Amos 5:13Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.Judges 16:17That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature highly valued controlled speech as evidence of mature character. Court life required discretion; hasty or unfiltered speech could mean death (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7). Counselors who spoke all their thoughts were useless; kings needed advisors with judgment about timing and propriety.
Questions for Reflection
- How often do you 'utter all your mind' through social media or unfiltered conversation, and what has it cost you?
- What spiritual disciplines help cultivate the wise person's restraint in speech?
- How do you distinguish between authentic transparency and the fool's lack of verbal self-control?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A fool uttereth all his mind (כְּסִיל כָּל־רוּחוֹ יוֹצִיא)—the kesil (stubborn fool) pours out all his spirit/mind (ruach). The verb yotzi (brings forth) suggests uncontrolled verbal discharge—emotional incontinence. The fool lacks self-control and filters, broadcasting every thought and feeling without discernment.
But a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards (וְחָכָם בְּאָחוֹר יְשַׁבְּחֶנָּה)—the wise person restrains (yeshabchenah, keeps back/stills) his spirit until the appropriate time (be'achor, afterwards/later). Wisdom exercises emotional regulation and strategic silence. James 1:19 echoes this: 'swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.' Proverbs 17:27-28 similarly praises restrained speech.