Proverbs 12:16 bbe — A foolish man lets his trouble be openly seen, but a sharp man keeps shame secret.

Bible in Basic English

"A foolish man lets his trouble be openly seen, but a sharp man keeps shame secret."

— Proverbs 12:16, Bible in Basic English

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Proverbs 12:16 in Other Translations

1 version All translations

Proverbs 12 — Context

13

In the sin of the lips is a net which takes the sinner, but the upright man will come out of trouble.

14

From the fruit of his mouth will a man have good food in full measure, and the work of a man's hands will be rewarded.

15

The way of the foolish man seems right to him? but the wise man gives ear to suggestions.

16

A foolish man lets his trouble be openly seen, but a sharp man keeps shame secret.

17

The breathing out of true words gives knowledge of righteousness; but a false witness gives out deceit.

18

There are some whose uncontrolled talk is like the wounds of a sword, but the tongue of the wise makes one well again.

19

True lips are certain for ever, but a false tongue is only for a minute.

Proverbs 12:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 12:16 say?
Proverbs 12:16 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “A foolish man lets his trouble be openly seen, but a sharp man keeps shame secret.”
Where is Proverbs 12:16 in the Bible?
Proverbs 12:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 12, verse 16.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 12:16.
What translation should I read Proverbs 12:16 in?
Proverbs 12:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 12:16?
Proverbs 12:16 reads (BBE): “A foolish man lets his trouble be openly seen, but a sharp man keeps shame secret.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2