Proverbs 17:27
Proverbs 17:27 in Multiple Translations
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
He who has knowledge says little: and he who has a calm spirit is a man of good sense.
If you're wise, you'll be careful what you say; and if you're sensible, you'll keep your temper.
Hee that hath knowledge, spareth his wordes, and a man of vnderstanding is of an excellent spirit.
One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper [is] a man of understanding.
He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
He that setteth bounds to his words. is knowing and wise: and the man of understanding is of a precious spirit.
Those who have good sense do not talk a lot, and those who ◄control their tempers/keep themselves from becoming very angry► are truly wise.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:27
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 17:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חוֹשֵׂ֣ךְ
אֲ֭מָרָי/ו
יוֹדֵ֣עַ
דָּ֑עַת
ו/קר
יְקַר
ר֝֗וּחַ
אִ֣ישׁ
תְּבוּנָֽה
חוֹשֵׂ֣ךְ
châsak
H2820
to withhold
V-Qal
אֲ֭מָרָי/ו
ʼêmer
H561
word
N-mp | Suff
יוֹדֵ֣עַ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
ו/קר
qar
H7119
cool
Conj | Adj
יְקַר
yâqâr
H3368
precious
Adj
ר֝֗וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
תְּבוּנָֽה
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:27
חוֹשֵׂ֣ךְ
châsak
H2820
"to withhold"
V-Qal
This verb means to withhold or restrain something. It can also mean to spare, preserve, or observe. In the Bible, it is used to describe holding back or keeping something for oneself.
Definition: 1) to withhold, restrain, hold back, keep in check, refrain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to withhold, keep back, keep for oneself, keep from, hold in check, refrain, spare, reserve 1a2) to restrain, check 1b) (Niphal) to assuage, be spared
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: assuage, [idiom] darken, forbear, hinder, hold back, keep (back), punish, refrain, reserve, spare, withhold. See also: Genesis 20:6; Job 33:18; Psalms 19:14.
אֲ֭מָרָי/ו
ʼêmer
H561
"word"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a word or speech, like a promise or command from God. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's conversations with people.
Definition: utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 141:6; Psalms 5:2.
יוֹדֵ֣עַ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
ו/קר
qar
H7119
"cool"
Conj | Adj
This word means something is cool or calm, like a quiet spirit. It can also be translated as excellent or cold, depending on the context.
Definition: 1) cool 1a) cool, calm, self-possessed (of spirit)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: cold, excellent (from the margin). See also: Proverbs 17:27; Proverbs 25:25; Jeremiah 18:14.
יְקַר
yâqâr
H3368
"precious"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is valuable and precious, like costly jewels or highly valued people, as seen in descriptions of honorable women and precious stones in the Bible.
Definition: 1) valuable, prized, weighty, precious, rare, splendid 1a) precious 1a1) costly 1a2) precious, highly valued 1a3) precious stones or jewels 1b) rare 1c) glorious, splendid 1d) weighty, influential
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: brightness, clear, costly, excellent, fat, honourable women, precious, reputation. See also: 1 Samuel 3:1; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 37:20.
ר֝֗וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
תְּבוּנָֽה
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
N-fs
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:27
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:27
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:27
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:27
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
25A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
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
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 3:18 | Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness. |
| 2 | James 1:19 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, |
| 3 | Proverbs 10:19 | When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:29 | A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. |
| 5 | Proverbs 15:28 | The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 9:17 | The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. |
| 8 | Proverbs 16:32 | He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city. |
Proverbs 17:27 Summary
[Proverbs 17:27 teaches us that having knowledge and understanding is not just about what we know, but also about how we live and interact with others. When we have a deep understanding of God's Word, we are able to restrain our words and speak wisely, as encouraged in James 1:19. This, in turn, helps us maintain a calm spirit, even in difficult situations, as promised in Isaiah 26:3. By seeking wisdom and trusting in God, we can experience peace and tranquility in our lives, as seen in Philippians 4:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a man of knowledge in Proverbs 17:27?
A man of knowledge is someone who has a deep understanding of God's Word and applies it to their life, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Why is it important to restrain our words?
Restraining our words is important because it helps us avoid speaking foolishly or hurtfully, as warned in Proverbs 10:32, and instead speak words that are wise and edifying, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29.
What is the relationship between knowledge and a calm spirit?
According to Proverbs 17:27, a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit, suggesting that having a deep understanding of God's Word and His ways brings peace and tranquility, as promised in Isaiah 26:3 and Philippians 4:7.
How can we cultivate a calm spirit in our lives?
We can cultivate a calm spirit by trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 23:4, and by seeking wisdom and understanding through prayer and meditation on Scripture, as encouraged in Psalm 119:97-100.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I need to restrain my words and speak more wisely?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's Word and apply it to my life?
- What are some ways I can maintain a calm spirit in the midst of chaos and uncertainty?
- How can I balance speaking the truth with speaking wisely and kindly, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God more and worry less, in order to experience a calm spirit?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:27
He that hath knowledge spareth his words,.... Or, "he that knows knowledge" (c); one that is very knowing, has a fund of knowledge in him, "spareth his words"; is generally a man of few words, he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:27
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. He that hath knowledge spareth his words: (and) a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:27
Spareth, Heb. restraineth, as at other times, so especially when he is provoked to passion, in which case fools utter all their mind. An excellent spirit; which he showeth by commanding his passions, and bridling himself from hasty and unadvised speeches. Or, as others render it, is of a cool spirit, calm and moderate, not easily provoked; humble, as the Chaldee renders it; patient or long-suffering, as the LXX. and Arabic interpreters render the words. Or, as others, sparing of his breath, i.e. of his speech, as this very word is used, , compared with .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:27
Proverbs 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: [and] a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.Ver. 27. He that hath knowledge spareth his words.] Taciturnity is a sign of solidity, and talkativeness of worthlesness. Epaminondas is worthily praised for this, saith Plutarch, that as no man knew more than he, so none spake less than he did. And a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.] Or, Of a cool spirit. The deepest seas are the most calm. “ Where river smoothest runs, deep is the ford, The dial stirs, yet none perceives it move,” &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:27
(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.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:27
27. excellent] Rather, cool, A.V. marg. and R.V.; μακρόθυμοςἀνὴρ, LXX. It is better with LXX. and R.V. to invert the order of subject and predicate in this verse and render: He that spareth his words hath knowledge: And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:27
Better, A man of calm (or noble) spirit is a man of understanding.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:27
27. Hath knowledge — Literally, knoweth knowledge. Spareth… words — Is not voluble, but when he speaketh, uttereth words of weighty meaning.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Prophetic Word by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative impact of the film industry and commercialization on society. He emphasizes how the pursuit of money and profit has corrupted th |
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I Am of Small Account; What Shall I by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of humility and silence in our relationship with God, reflecting on Job's acknowledgment of his smallness before the Almighty. He contrasts the |
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The Eleventh Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of humility in speech for monks, encouraging them to speak gently, without laughter, humbly, seriously, using few and sensible word |
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A Life of Peace by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of pursuing a life of peace in three key areas: peace with God inwardly, peace with all men, and peace in circumstances and relationships. It |
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From Whence Come Wars and Fightings Among You? by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on James chapter 4 and encourages the audience to approach the Word of God in its entirety. He emphasizes the importance of not neglecting or by |
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Walking in Lowliness by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of speaking both blessings and curses from the same mouth. He emphasizes that this should not be the case, as a spring cannot produ |
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Fights and Quarrels by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the problem of conflicting passions and desires. He emphasizes that we cannot have it both ways and must choose between following God's will |