Proverbs 17:28

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

Proverbs 17:28 in Other Translations

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

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

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

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

28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is [esteemed as] prudent.

28 Even a stubborn fool is thought to be wise if he keeps silent. He is considered intelligent if he keeps his lips sealed.

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

28 We think even a foolish person is wise if he keeps silent. We think he understands what is right if he controls his tongue.

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 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right.

27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

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

Cross References

• 1. S Job 2:13; Job 13:5; S Proverbs 10:19