Proverbs 17:28

28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

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Proverbs 17:28 in Other Translations

KJV

28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

ESV

28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

NLT

28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

MSG

28 Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they're smart.

CSB

28 Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning, when he seals his lips.

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.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible