Proverbs 12:23 Nuclear knowledge
A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly. Proverbs12:23NASB
A more literal and expanded translation using lexicon:
A prudent [crafty, shrewd, sensible] man, conceals [covers] knowledge, but the heart [inner man, mind, will] of fools [stupid fellow, dullard] proclaims [calls, reads] folly.
Knowledge is a commodity. It’s powerful. It may be used for a purpose or to achieve something. So why would someone be considered prudent who hides it? Isn’t shared knowledge better? I believe the answer is found in the second half of the proverb contrasting the behavior of the heart of fools. An old commentator wrote:
But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness; that which they have in their hearts and minds, and which they take for deep knowledge, profound and recondite [little known] learning, they proclaim with their mouths in a noisy and clamorous way; and while they declare their ill shaped notions, their incoherent and unconnected ideas of things, they betray their ignorance and folly, as ostentatious [showy, pretentious] men do.
Gills commentary
The heart of a fool doesn’t look at knowledge for what it is, or for what good it could do, or for what potential damage or injury it could cause — instead, he views it without discretion as a means to his own success. Like Gill says, to appear like he knows something, but in reality, his grasp of the knowledge is misaligned. The fool would promote self importance over the good of others. Demons understood who Jesus was as he walked through Galilee and tried to shout it aloud. Jesus commanded them to be quiet. Similarly, those who were seeking to crucify him also called him the Messiah. It was true, but the result they desired to enflame was a passion and willingness to send him to the cross. The result was, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
In contrast, think about the person who discovers knowledge. How did he get it? Our world if filled with incredible hidden treasure and deep lessons from galaxies to the microscopic. It takes a seeking heart, one that is open and willing to listen and discover. Sometimes new discoveries take the accumulated knowledge shared over decades — even millennia— to piece together puzzles that have perplexed us for ages. Think about how we understand bacteria and infections today. We may treat wounds with antibiotics and save lives. This is a relatively recent discovery compared to the history of man. Add to this the wisdom that enables computers, GPS navigation, rocket propulsion, sunscreen, flight, and more. These achievements require intention to accomplish. Rarely are they accidents. Seeking. Knocking. Asking. Doors are not always opened on the first try. But they will open.
Moving this conversation to the topic of faith, consider the sheer number of belief systems in the world. It is as though there is a fundamental code written in our DNA that compels us to God? It says we don’t see everything and only by faith do we understand the invisible. But why is the Christian “invisible” so different from the Muslim “invisible” or the many, many other faiths? When Jesus was walking on the earth and the Pharisees challenged him, it created a very odd interaction. Their Messiah was standing in front of them. He was sent to them. He was speaking their language. Using their words. Discussing concepts they were very familiar with. Yet, they didn’t understand or believe him. It wasn’t a function of the brain, it was a function of the heart. Jesus said:
If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself.
John 7:17 NASB1995
It is willingness to do what is right. It is willingness to follow him. Willingness is the gatekeeper. It is a disposition of the heart, mind and soul — not the actual “knowledge” that one possesses. So when Solomon talks about a “prudent man concealing knowledge” it is because he understands that not all people can receive it. They may actually be harmed by it. One doesn’t tell a second grader about the pleasures and methods of making love. At this age there is no capacity or desire to know this.
Prudence values discretion. And if my heart is prudent and discreet, and I seek diligently for something, I will find it. And save it. To share at just the right moment.
Wise men store up knowledge, But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.
Proverbs 10:14 NASB