Proverbs 13:16 (BSB)

Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.

From Proverbs 13. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 13:16

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 13:16: Note, 1. It is wisdom to be cautious. Every prudent discreet man does all with knowledge (considering with himself and consulting with others), acts with deliberation and is upon the reserve, is careful not to meddle with that which he has not some knowledge of, not to launch out into business which he has not acquainted himself with, will not deal with those that he...
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments 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 has he to do with persons, he knows nothing of; he both acts and speaks with knowledge, cautiously, wisely, considering well time, place, and persons: and every wise and good...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 13:16: dealeth--acts with foresight. a fool . . . folly--for want of caution.
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 13:16: Pro 13:16 16 Every prudent man acteth with understanding; But a fool spreadeth abroad folly. Hitzig reads, with the Syr. (but not the Targ.) and Jerome, כּל (omnia agit), but contrary to the Hebr. syntax. The כּל־ is not feeble and useless, but means that he always acts בּדּעת, mit Bedacht [with judgment] (opp. בּבלי דעת, inconsulto, Deu 4:42; Deu 19:4), while on the contrary the fool displays folly.