Proverbs 17:28

28 Even fools seem to be wise if they keep quiet; if they don't speak, they appear to understand.

Proverbs 17:28 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 17:28

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise
Not only one that is sparing of his words, and is really a man of knowledge and understanding; but even a feel, if he is but silent, and does not betray his folly by his words, will be reckoned a wise man by those that do not know him; and, whatever fool he may be in other respects, yet in this he acts the wise part, that he holds his peace and says nothing; [and] he that shutteth his lips [is esteemed] a man of understanding;
and keeps them shut, lest he should say anything rashly and hastily; a man that has so much command of himself as not to speak unadvisedly, through the heat of his own passions, and through the provocations of others, will pass for a man that understands himself, and knows how to behave well before others.

Proverbs 17:28 In-Context

26 It is not good to punish the innocent or to beat leaders for being honest.
27 The smart person says very little, and one with understanding stays calm.
28 Even fools seem to be wise if they keep quiet; if they don't speak, they appear to understand.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.