Proverbs 17:28
If he would remain silent, even the foolish would be considered wise, and if he closes his lips, intelligent.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
In Context
27Whoever moderates his words is learned and prudent. And a man of learning has a precious spirit.
Cross References
Job 13:5And I wish that you would remain silent, so that you would be counted among the wise.
Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge. But the mouth of the senseless gushes with foolishness.
Ecclesiastes 10:3Moreover, as a foolish man is walking along the way, even though he himself is unwise, he considers everyone to be foolish.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 17:28
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Two ways a man may show himself to be a wise man:—1. By the good temper, the sweetness and the sedateness, of his mind: A man of understanding is of an excellent spirit, a precious spirit (so the word is); he is one that looks well to his spirit, that it be as it should be, and so keeps it in… Read the whole commentary →