Proverbs 17:27

Proverbs 17:27 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
• New International Version (NIV)The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
• New King James Version (NKJV)He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

Context of Proverbs 17:27

25A foolish son is a grief and anguish to his father And bitterness to her who gave birth to him. 26It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words, And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper). 28Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.

Proverbs 17:27 word by word

חוֹשֵׂ֣ךְ אֲ֭מָרָיו יוֹדֵ֣עַ דָּ֑עַת יְקַר ר֝֗וּחַ אִ֣ישׁ תְּבוּנָֽה׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• He that hathיָדַעyâda‛ · to knowH3045
• knowledgeדַּ֫עַתda‛ath · knowledgeH1847
• sparethחָשַׂךְchâώak · to withholdH2820
• his wordsאֵמֶר'êmer · wordH561
• a manאִישׁ'îysh · manH376
• of understandingתְּבוּנָהtâbûn tebûnâh tôbûnâh · understandingH8394
• is of an excellentקַרqar · coolH7119
• is of an excellentיָקָרyâqâr · preciousH3368
• spiritרוּחַrûach · spirit: temperH7307

Cross-references for Proverbs 17:27

• Proverbs 10:19When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, But he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise.
• Proverbs 15:28The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way], But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things.
• James 1:19Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving];
• James 3:2For we all stumble and sin in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says [never saying the wrong thing], he is a perfect man [fully developed in character, without serious flaws], able to bridle his whole body and rein in his entire nature [taming his human faults and weaknesses].
• Proverbs 16:32He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.
• Ecclesiastes 9:17The words of wise men heard in quietness are better than the shouting of one who rules among fools.
• James 3:18And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].

Commentaries on Proverbs 17:27

• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 27Better, A man of calm (or noble) spirit is a man of understanding.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 27-28Verses 27-28 A man may show himself to be a wise man, by the good temper of his mind, and by the good government of his tongue. He is careful when he does speak, to speak to the purpose. God knows his heart, and the folly that is bound there; therefore he cannot be deceived in his judgment as men may be.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 27-2827-28. Prudence of speech is commended as is an excellent or calm spirit, not excited to vain conversation.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 17:27

• Speaking
• Tongue

In the dictionaries

• Fine
• Friend
• Glad
• Grief
• Price
• Rule
• Strike
• Proverb
• Proverbs, the Book of
• Proverbs, Book of

Commentaries on Proverbs 17

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings