Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 13:16, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
American Standard Version
Every prudent man worketh with knowledge; But a fool flaunteth [his] folly.
World English Bible version
Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.
Proverbs 13:16 Meaning & Commentary
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly. Proverbs 13:16 (ESV)
The word “prudent” used here is the Greek word “arum,” which means crafty, shrewd, sensible, or cunning. The word is not used in a negative connotation – IE: not shrewd, as in deceitful – rather shrewd as how Jesus told us to be: Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Being “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” is an excellent example of a prudent person. A prudent person is also descriptive of someone who is calculated and thorough in their decision-making. There is a common saying that “knowledge is power.” There is truth to this because knowledge helps open the door to understanding and wisdom. Knowledge also empowers you to “know” what to do, how to do it, and even how to interact with others.
There is also a time to keep silent and say nothing – a prudent person will be able to discern and know when this needs to be done: Proverbs 23:9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words. The second half of Proverbs 13:16 talks about a fool and how he flaunts his folly. To flaunt means to parade or put something on full display. The verse tells us that a fool will flaunt his folly – IE: his foolishness and stupidity will be on full display for all to see!
A big part of acting foolishly is not knowing when to be quiet, reserved, or keep to oneself. How many times have we heard things like, “that person does not know when to keep quiet”? Or “it was very inappropriate for them to say that.” This describes someone who flaunts their folly and does not know when to keep quiet. A prudent person, on the other hand, is armed with the knowledge of how to act and react in every situation!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 13:16 to our lives?
We need to seek knowledge, wisdom, and understanding consistently. The Bible says that if we ask for wisdom, God will answer our prayer – all we need to do is ask: James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
When we acquire knowledge, grow in understanding and pray for wisdom, we will begin to act prudently. We will have the knowledge or the “knowing” from God on what to do, and what not to do in certain circumstances and situations. When interacting with others, it is always wiser and shrewder to err on the side of saying too little or being more reserved and cautious:
Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. There is a time to speak and a time to act. There is also a time to keep quiet and say or do nothing. If we are not sure what to say, the best is rather to keep quiet! We do not want to be the fool who flaunts his folly for all to see! If we are making decisions in life, it is best to really seek to understand and know what we are getting into before we act:
Proverbs 19:2 Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. Knowledge should come before desire and subsequent action. For example, if we want to change career paths, we should seek to learn more about what we are doing – listen to people who have taken the same route, and only once we have equipped ourselves with adequate knowledge, then take action! If we act in haste, we can potentially miss our way!
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for Your word, which teaches me how to walk prudently and in wisdom. I pray that you stir up a desire in my heart for greater knowledge.
I ask for the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God, according to Ephesians 1. I pray and ask for wisdom and that you help me be shrewd in every circumstance and dealing I find myself in. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
