A Prudent Man Concealeth Knowledge: Six Occasions

The desire of the righteous shall be granted (Proverbs 11:23), yet wisdom often demands restraint in speech. A prudent man concealeth knowledge in six distinct circumstances.

First, when it is opportune to withhold. Our Lord Jesus said, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now" (John xvi.12). Timing governs truth-telling.

Second, when knowledge exceeds the hearer's capacity. Paul wrote to the Corinthians of dispensing milk, not meat, to spiritual infants (1 Corinthians ii.2). The teacher must measure the student's readiness.

Third, when the knowledge shall surely be misapplied. Before Pilate's tribunal, Jesus remained silent rather than cast pearls before swine (Mark xv.5).

Fourth, when rejection is certain. "Give not that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine" (Matthew vii.6). Some ears refuse to hear.

Fifth, when utterance would injure the brethren. Leviticus xix.16 forbids talebearing that brings discord. Love covers wounds; wisdom seals lips.

Sixth, when the motive is mere self-display. "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth" (Proverbs xxvii.2). The prudent man guards against pride masquerading as instruction.

Thus discretion becomes its own form of knowledge—Elohim rewards the wise silence no less than wise speech.