Proverbs 17:28

28 stultus quoque si tacuerit sapiens putabitur et si conpresserit labia sua intellegens

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 non est bonum damnum inferre iusto nec percutere principem qui recta iudicat
27 qui moderatur sermones suos doctus et prudens est et pretiosi spiritus vir eruditus
28 stultus quoque si tacuerit sapiens putabitur et si conpresserit labia sua intellegens
The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.