Proverbs 17:28

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

Even a fool {H191}, when he holdeth his peace {H2790}, is counted {H2803} wise {H2450}: and he that shutteth {H331} his lips {H8193} is esteemed a man of understanding {H995}.

Even a fool, if he stays silent, is thought wise; he who keeps his mouth shut can pass for smart.

Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

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

Commentary

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Cross-References

  • Job 13:5 (22 votes)

    O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.

  • Proverbs 15:2 (14 votes)

    ¶ The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:14 (12 votes)

    A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

  • Ecclesiastes 5:3 (10 votes)

    For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice [is known] by multitude of words.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:3 (4 votes)

    Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth [him], and he saith to every one [that] he [is] a fool.