New International Version The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. New Living Translation A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. English Standard Version Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Berean Standard Bible A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. Berean Literal Bible The one restraining his words is one knowing knowledge, and calm of spirit is a man of understanding. King James Bible He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. New King James Version He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. New American Standard Bible One who withholds his words has knowledge, And one who has a cool spirit is a person of understanding. NASB 1995 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. NASB 1977 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Legacy Standard Bible He who holds back his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of discernment. Amplified Bible He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words, And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper). Berean Annotated Bible A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit {ruach}. Christian Standard Bible The one who has knowledge restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a person of understanding. Holman Christian Standard Bible The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding. American Standard Version He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Contemporary English Version It makes a lot of sense to be a person of few words and to stay calm. English Revised Version He that spareth his words hath knowledge: and he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. GOD'S WORD® Translation Whoever has knowledge controls his words, and a person who has understanding is even-tempered. Good News Translation Those who are sure of themselves do not talk all the time. People who stay calm have real insight. International Standard Version Whoever controls what he says is knowledgeable; anyone who has a calm spirit is a man of understanding. NET Bible The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning. New Heart English Bible He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. Webster's Bible Translation He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleA man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. World English Bible He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionOne acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, "" And the cool of temper [is] a man of understanding. Berean Literal Bible The one restraining his words is one knowing knowledge, and calm of spirit is a man of understanding. Young's Literal Translation One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper is a man of understanding. Smith's Literal Translation He withholding his words will shew knowledge: I man of understanding is a cool spirit. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe that setteth bounds to his words. is knowing and wise: and the man of understanding is of a precious spirit. Catholic Public Domain Version Whoever moderates his words is learned and prudent. And a man of learning has a precious spirit. New American Bible Those who spare their words are truly knowledgeable, and those who are discreet are intelligent. New Revised Standard Version One who spares words is knowledgeable; one who is cool in spirit has understanding. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe who spares his words has knowledge; and he who is patient is a wise man. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He that spares his words knows knowledge, and a patient man is wise. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that husbandeth his spirit is a man of discernment. Brenton Septuagint Translation He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness…26It is surely not good to punish the innocent or to flog a noble for his honesty. 27A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. 28Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.… Cross References A man of knowledge restrains his words, Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. 1 Peter 3:4 but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute. James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. Ecclesiastes 5:2 Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few. James 3:2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him. Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. Treasury of Scripture He that has knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. spareth Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: an excellent spirit Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Ecclesiastes 9:17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Jump to Previous Acquainted Calm Cool Discernment Excellent Good Little Restrains Restraint Sense Spares Spareth Sparing Spirit Temper Tempered Understanding Uses WordsJump to Next Acquainted Calm Cool Discernment Excellent Good Little Restrains Restraint Sense Spares Spareth Sparing Spirit Temper Tempered Understanding Uses WordsProverbs 17 1. Contrasts between the Righteous and the WickedA man of knowledge restrains his words, Wisdom is shown not by saying everything one knows, but by speaking with care and purpose. In a culture where public speech could shape reputation, relationships, and justice, measured words revealed discernment and self-control. The knowledgeable person recognizes the weight of speech and refuses to be ruled by impulse, anger, or the desire to appear important. Pro 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable,… and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. Understanding produces steadiness when pressure rises. Rather than reacting rashly to insult, conflict, or trouble, the discerning person remains composed because he sees circumstances rightly and governs his response. Such calmness reflects inner strength, sound judgment, and trust in God’s ordering of life. Pro 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. 2. Israel The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was highly valued. 3. Wise Man Represents individuals who embody the virtues of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as described in Proverbs. Teaching Points The Value of RestraintRestraining one's words is a sign of knowledge and wisdom. It reflects a deep understanding of the power of words and the potential consequences of speaking without thought. Cultivating a Calm Spirit Maintaining a calm spirit is indicative of understanding. It shows emotional maturity and the ability to remain composed in various situations, which is crucial for effective communication and conflict resolution. Wisdom in Speech The wise person knows when to speak and when to remain silent. This discernment is a hallmark of a mature believer who seeks to honor God with their words. Emotional Control A calm spirit is not just about outward composure but also about inner peace. This control is rooted in trust in God and reliance on His wisdom. Reflecting Christ-like Character As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character, which includes being measured in our speech and maintaining peace in our hearts. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 17:27?2. How can we practice restraint in our speech as Proverbs 17:27 advises? 3. What does Proverbs 17:27 teach about the value of a "calm spirit"? 4. How does James 1:19 relate to Proverbs 17:27's message on speech? 5. In what ways can we cultivate "knowledge" through careful speech? 6. How can Proverbs 17:27 guide our interactions in conflict situations? 7. How does Proverbs 17:27 define wisdom in terms of speech and restraint? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 17:27? 9. How does Proverbs 17:27 relate to modern communication challenges? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17? (27) He that hath knowledge . . .--This verse will better be rendered, He that restrains his words hath knowledge, and one who is cool of temper is a man of understanding. The avoidance of rash speech and hasty temper is here advised. Verse 27. - He that hath knowledge spareth his words; Revised Version, he that spareth his words hath knowledge; he shows his common sense, not by rash talk or saying all he knows, but by restraining his tongue (comp. Proverbs 10:19; James 1:19). 'Pirke Aboth' (1:18), "All my days I have grown up amongst the wise, and have not found aught good for a man but silence; not learning but doing is the groundwork, and whoso multiplies words occasions sin" Say the Greek gnomes - Ἐνίοις τὸ σιγᾷν ἐστὶ κρεῖττον τοῦ λέγειν Βοῦς μοι ἐπὶ γλώσσης κρατερῷ ποδὶ λὰξ ἐπιβαίνων Proverbs 17:27 NIV |
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