A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
Ver. 23. A prudent man concealeth knowledge,] scil., Till he finds a fit time to vent it; for then "the lips of the wise do spread abroad knowledge." Pro 15:7 He is no niggard where there is need, but loves not to outlash. Taciturnity is a virtue with him; Tacitus a good historian, Persae magnam rem sustineri posse non credunt ab eo cui tacere grave sit; a - The Persians hold not him fit for great employments that cannot keep counsel, saith Curtius.
But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.] In it is, and out it must: Pleni rimarum sunt, they can keep no counsel, hold no secrets, must needs tell all, whatever come of it: ut qui nec tacere nec prudenter loqui norint; they can neither hold their tongue nor use it to purpose. The moralist adviseth η σιγαν η κρεισσονα σιγης λεγειν, - either to say nothing, or that which is better than nothing. And Socrates, being asked by one how he might have the reputation of a wise man, First, said he, thou must hold thy tongue oftener than speak; secondly, thou must learn how to frame thy speeches.
a Curtius, lib. iv.