Proverbs 17:27
He who spares his words has knowledge, and he who is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
A Conservative Version
In The King James Version
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
In Context
26Also to punish a righteous man is not good, [nor] to smite nobles for uprightness.
28Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is considered wise. When he shuts his lips, he is prudent.
Cross References
Proverbs 10:19Transgression is not lacking in the multitude of words, but he who refrains his lips does wisely.
Proverbs 15:28The heart of a righteous man meditates to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
Ecclesiastes 9:17The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him who rules among fools.
James 3:2For we all stumble in many things. If any man does not stumble in word, this is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 17:27
26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. In differences that happen between magistrates and subjects, and such differences often arise, 1. Let magistrates see to it that they never punish the just, that they be in no case a terror to good works, for that is to abuse their power and betray that great trust which is reposed in them. It is not good, that is, it is a very evil thing, and will end ill, whatever end they may aim at in it. When princes become tyrants and persecutors their… Read the whole commentary →