Proverbs 12:23

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about what our tongue reveals about our hearts:

Proverbs 12:23 (ESV)

A prudent man conceals knowledge,

but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

If you listen to people long enough you will know whether they a heart of folly or a heart of wisdom.   This proverb gives us insight into that truth and the reality of man's heart.   Solomon has already taught us that our hearts are revealed through our tongues and/or mouths.   In the first line of this proverb we read that wise men are not flippant or reckless with what they know.  Other proverbs tell us that the wise and prudent man shares understanding and knowledge when appropriate.  This line tells us that he only shares when it is appropriate.  The converse of that is found in the second line.   The heart of the fool cannot contain itself.  It must proclaim the folly it holds.  Just listen to the mouth of a fool and it is obvious that he enjoys showing you his folly.  Prudent men don't have to boast and convey their understanding.  Their conduct conveys their heart.   The fool on the other hand simply proclaims the foolishness he knows.   We see it in the Psalms when we read, "A fool says in his heart there is no God."   The heart of the fool can't help but proclaim its ignorance.   You simply have to be quiet and listen.  That's what the prudent man does.  The leadership mantra that states, “Seek for to understand and then to be understood,” might take its thought from this proverb.  Fools don’t want to understand.  They simply utter their thoughts, making sure everyone “understands” where they are coming from.  A prudent man will first seek to listen, understand and discern.  Then they will share the wisdom of their hearts.