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.