Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 13:16 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly. "
Proverbs 13:16
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
14 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
16 Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored.
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It is wise to be cautious. A prudent, discreet person does everything with knowledge. He thinks things through for himself and also seeks counsel from others. He acts deliberately and keeps some reserve. He is careful not to get involved with things he does not understand, or to rush into business he has not learned about. He also does not trust people he does not know well enough to judge whether they can be trusted. He keeps working with knowledge so he can increase what he already has.
But it is foolish to be rash, as the fool is. He is quick to talk about things he knows nothing about and to take on work he is not fit for. In this way, he exposes his own folly and makes himself look ridiculous. He began to build and was not able to finish.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 13:1
"A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke."
Proverbs 13:2
"By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful crave violence."
Proverbs 13:3
"He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin."
Proverbs 13:4
"The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied."
Proverbs 13:5
"A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace."
Proverbs 13:6
"Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner."
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