Proverbs 12:23 (BSB)

A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.

From Proverbs 12. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 12:23

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 12:23: 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.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 12:23: 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...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 12:23: concealeth--by his modesty (Pro 10:14; Pro 11:13). heart . . . proclaimeth--as his lips speak his thoughts (compare Ecc 10:3).
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 12:23: Pro 12:23 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.