The Prudent Man Deals with Knowledge; The Fool Displays His Folly

Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly (Proverbs 13:16).

I. THE WISE MAN

"He dealeth with knowledge." This declaration implies two critical truths. First, that he possesses knowledge—for knowledge is essential to wisdom, and all true knowledge has its foundation in God. There exists no knowledge that excludes Him. Second, that a wise man treats his knowledge prudently. A man may accumulate vast learning yet lack wisdom; wisdom consists in the right application of knowledge. The prudent man employs his knowledge to cultivate his own nature and promote the genuine progress of his race.

Plato declared that perfect freedom comprises four parts: wisdom, the principle of doing things aright; justice, the principle of acting equally in public and private; fortitude, the principle of meeting danger rather than fleeing it; and temperance, the principle of subduing desires and living moderately.

II. THE FOOLISH MAN

Foolish men display their folly in two marked ways. First, by speaking of matters they scarcely comprehend. Empty-minded persons are characteristically talkative; the true thinker, discerning difficulties at every turn, moves cautiously and even with hesitation. Second, by attempting what they cannot achieve. The fool knows neither his aptitudes nor his inaptitudes, hence strives everywhere to become what he never shall be, to accomplish what lies beyond his capacity.

The contrast is unmistakable: prudence conceals knowledge through careful stewardship; folly exposes itself through reckless speech and presumptuous action.