Proverbs 12:16

A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

The Hebrew word translated prudent in the verse is the same word translated subtle to describe the serpent in Genesis 3:1.
Before the curse that link marks the serpent in Eden as the most knowing and prudent of all animal creation, and also as the most beautiful, shining and seraph-like.
Since the fall the same creature has become the most low and degraded.