Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. New Living Translation Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. English Standard Version Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. Berean Standard Bible Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue. King James Bible Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. New King James Version Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. New American Standard Bible Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. NASB 1995 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. NASB 1977 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is counted prudent. Legacy Standard Bible Even an ignorant fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered understanding. Amplified Bible Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding. Christian Standard Bible Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent — discerning, when he seals his lips. Holman Christian Standard Bible Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning when he seals his lips. American Standard Version Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent. Contemporary English Version Even fools seem smart when they are quiet. English Revised Version Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: when he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent. GOD'S WORD® Translation Even a stubborn fool is thought to be wise if he keeps silent. He is considered intelligent if he keeps his lips sealed. Good News Translation After all, even fools may be thought wise and intelligent if they stay quiet and keep their mouths shut. International Standard Version Even a fool is thought to be wise when he remains silent; he is thought to be prudent when he keeps his mouth shut. NET Bible Even a fool who remains silent is considered wise, and the one who holds his tongue is deemed discerning. New Heart English Bible Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning. Webster's Bible Translation Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEven a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue. World English Bible Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionEven a fool keeping silence is reckoned wise, "" He who is shutting his lips [seems] intelligent! Young's Literal Translation Even a fool keeping silence is reckoned wise, He who is shutting his lips intelligent! Smith's Literal Translation Also the foolish one being silent shall be thought wise: and he shutting his lips, understanding. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleEven a fool, if he will hold his peace shall be counted wise: and if he close his lips, a man of understanding. Catholic Public Domain Version If he would remain silent, even the foolish would be considered wise, and if he closes his lips, intelligent. New American Bible Even fools, keeping silent, are considered wise; if they keep their lips closed, intelligent. New Revised Standard Version Even fools who keep silent are considered wise; when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleEven a fool when he holds his peace is considered wise; and he who shuts his lips is counted a man of understanding. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A madman who is silent is considered a wise person, and he that keeps his lips silent is considered intelligent. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; And he that shutteth his lips is esteemed as a man of understanding. Brenton Septuagint Translation Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness…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 James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, Ecclesiastes 5:3 As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words. Ecclesiastes 10:12-14 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. / The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. / Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? Job 13:5 If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom! Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 11:12 Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent. Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. 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. 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.” 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. Psalm 39:1 For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.” Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. 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. Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. Treasury of Scripture Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. Job 13:5 O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom. Ecclesiastes 5:3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. Jump to Previous Closes Considered Counted Credited Deemed Discerning Esteemed Fool Foolish Good Holdeth Holds Intelligent Keeping Keeps Lips Peace Prudent Quiet Reckoned Shut Shuts Shutteth Shutting Silence Silent Thought Tongue Understanding WiseJump to Next Closes Considered Counted Credited Deemed Discerning Esteemed Fool Foolish Good Holdeth Holds Intelligent Keeping Keeps Lips Peace Prudent Quiet Reckoned Shut Shuts Shutteth Shutting Silence Silent Thought Tongue Understanding WiseProverbs 17 1. Contrasts between the Righteous and the WickedEven a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent This phrase highlights the value of silence and self-control. In biblical times, wisdom was highly esteemed, and the ability to remain silent was often associated with understanding and maturity. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on speech, as words were seen as powerful and influential. This proverb suggests that even those lacking wisdom can appear wise by choosing silence over foolish speech. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as James 1:19, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak." The idea of silence as a virtue is also seen in the life of Jesus Christ, who often chose silence in the face of accusations (Matthew 26:63). and discerning when he holds his tongue Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are captured in the book of Proverbs. 2. Fools In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often characterized by rashness and a lack of self-control. 3. Wise and Discerning Individuals These are people who exhibit wisdom and understanding, often through their ability to listen and speak thoughtfully. Teaching Points The Value of SilenceSilence can be a powerful tool in demonstrating wisdom. By choosing not to speak, we can avoid unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding. Perception of Wisdom Even those who may lack understanding can be perceived as wise if they practice restraint in their speech. This highlights the importance of self-control in communication. The Power of Listening Listening more and speaking less allows us to gain better understanding and insight, which are key components of wisdom. Guarding Our Words Our words have the power to build up or tear down. Being mindful of what we say can prevent harm and promote peace. Reflecting Christ in Our Speech As Christians, our speech should reflect the character of Christ. By being thoughtful and measured in our words, we can be a testimony to others. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17Is trusting your feelings a wise decision? What role does silence play in the Bible? What defines a biblical proverb? What role does silence play in the Bible?Verse 28. - Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise. Not betraying his ignorance and incapacity by words, a foolish man is credited with possessing sense (comp. Job 13:5). Proverbs to this effect are found in all languages. Thus the Greek - Πᾶς τις ἀπαίδευτος φρονιμώτατος ἐστὶ σιωπῶν. Cato, 'Dist.,' 1:3 - "Virtutem primam esse puta compescere linguam; . . . Hebrew Evenגַּ֤ם (gam) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and a fool אֱוִ֣יל (’ĕ·wîl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 191: Foolish is considered יֵחָשֵׁ֑ב (yê·ḥā·šêḇ) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2803: To think, account wise חָכָ֣ם (ḥā·ḵām) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2450: Wise if he keeps silent, מַ֭חֲרִישׁ (ma·ḥă·rîš) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 2790: To cut in, engrave, plow, devise [and] discerning נָבֽוֹן׃ (nā·ḇō·wn) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand when he holds אֹטֵ֖ם (’ō·ṭêm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 331: To close, to contract his tongue. שְׂפָתָ֣יו (śə·p̄ā·ṯāw) Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin Links Proverbs 17:28 NIVProverbs 17:28 NLT Proverbs 17:28 ESV Proverbs 17:28 NASB Proverbs 17:28 KJV Proverbs 17:28 BibleApps.com Proverbs 17:28 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 17:28 Chinese Bible Proverbs 17:28 French Bible Proverbs 17:28 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool when he keeps silent (Prov. 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