The EQ of the Prudent (Proverbs 12:23)
Listen Here:
Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man conceals knowledge,
but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
Wisdom doesn’t always come with a microphone.
We’ve looked at this truth earlier this year when we prayed through Proverbs 17:27-28.
‘A prudent man conceals knowledge…’
I feel like we have spent ample time in Proverbs discussing how the posture of our heart and maturity of our character are revealed by the words we say.
But just as important are the words we don’t say. The things we conceal. A mark of wisdom is NOT to reveal all we know. It’s not to always be the loudest voice; it’s not to always be the answer giver.
And that goes in the context of being able to give one. This verse isn’t just saying it’s wise to be silent when you don’t have anything good to say. No.
It’s saying sometimes it’s wise to be silent even when you do!
This, to me, in our cultural context has a name: emotional intelligence. EQ.
The internet describes emotional intelligence, also known as emotional quotient (EQ), as ‘the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions, as well as recognize and understand the emotions of others. It involves blending thinking and feeling to make optimal decisions.’
That’s part of what it means to be wise and conceal knowledge. It’s emotional intelligence – knowing when truth will heal, and also when it will harm.
And there’s a name for someone who has very little EQ – emotional intelligence. It’s fool.
A prudent man conceals knowledge,
but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
The fool has no filter – speaking instead of listening, blurting instead of discerning. He speaks not just out of ignorance, but out of insecurity. His words aren’t sealed like a letter sent with care; they gush out like a leaky faucet, dripping constantly, not caring who’s beneath. He needs to be heard, needs to be impressive, needs to be right – because his identity is unstable. He speaks to gain approval, rather than to give love.
Jesus had perfect EQ. He didn’t just read a room – He read a soul. Like the woman caught in adultery. The crowd was loud. Angry. Demanding. But Jesus? He stooped. When everyone else had something to say, He said nothing – until mercy had the final word.
And that final word? Jesus said ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’ Aren’t you glad that that’s the word He speaks over us too in response to our sin when we ask for forgiveness?
So if wisdom sometimes whispers while folly always shouts – what kind of voice are you using?
Can you relate more to the fool or the prudent man in this verse?
What would it look like for you to practice restraint today?
Let’s pray.
