Christian Standard Bible
Proverbs 17:28
28Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent — discerning, when he seals his lips.
Proverbs 17:28 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
- New International Version (NIV)Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
Context of Proverbs 17:28
26It is certainly not good to fine an innocent person or to beat a noble for his honesty. 27The one who has knowledge restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a person of understanding. Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent — discerning, when he seals his lips.
Read all of Proverbs 17Proverbs 17:28 word by word
גַּ֤ם אֱוִ֣יל מַ֭חֲרִישׁ חָכָ֣ם יֵחָשֵׁ֑ב אֹטֵ֖ם שְׂפָתָ֣יו נָבֽוֹן׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 17:28
- Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.
- Job 13:5If only you would shut up and let that be your wisdom!
- Ecclesiastes 5:3Just as dreams accompany much labor, so also a fool’s voice comes with many words.
- Ecclesiastes 10:3Even when the fool walks along the road, his heart lacks sense, and he shows everyone he is a fool.
Commentaries on Proverbs 17:28
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 28Even a fool - He is counted wise as to that particular. He may know that he cannot speak well, and he has sense enough to keep from speaking. He is, as to that particular, a wise fool. A man may be golden-mouthed and silver-tongued in eloquence; but to know when and where to speak and to be silent, is better than diamonds. But who that thinks he can speak well can refrain from speaking? His tongue has no rest.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 28Is esteemed - Or, “is” (simply). The maxim would imply that silence is in any case good.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 17:28
In the dictionaries
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
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