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.
• 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.
• New Living Translation (NLT)A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Context of Proverbs 17:27

25A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him. 26If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right. The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. 28Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

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 10:19Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.
• Proverbs 15:28The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
• James 1:19My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
• James 3:2We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
• Proverbs 16:32Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
• Ecclesiastes 9:17The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
• James 3:18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

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