Proverbes 17:28

28 L'insensé même passe pour sage quand il se tait, et celui qui ferme ses lèvres est un homme intelligent.

Proverbes 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.

Proverbes 17:28 In-Context

26 Il n'est pas bon de condamner le juste à l'amende, ni de frapper les hommes honnêtes pour avoir fait ce qui est droit.
27 L'homme retenu dans ses paroles connaît la prudence, et celui qui est d'un esprit froid, est un homme entendu.
28 L'insensé même passe pour sage quand il se tait, et celui qui ferme ses lèvres est un homme intelligent.
The Ostervald translation is in the public domain.