Proverbs 17:28
Proverbs 17:28 in Multiple Translations
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: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.
Even the foolish man, when he keeps quiet, is taken to be wise: when his lips are shut he is credited with good sense.
Even stupid people who keep quiet are considered wise; if they don't say anything they appear intelligent.
Euen a foole (when he holdeth his peace) is counted wise, and hee that stoppeth his lips, prudent.
Even a fool keeping silence is reckoned wise, He who is shutting his lips intelligent!
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
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, if he will hold his peace shall be counted wise: and if he close his lips, a man of understanding.
People may think that foolish people who do not say anything are wise; if foolish people ◄do not say anything/keep their mouths shut►, others will think that they are very intelligent.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:28
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 17:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּ֤ם
אֱוִ֣יל
מַ֭חֲרִישׁ
חָכָ֣ם
יֵחָשֵׁ֑ב
אֹטֵ֖ם
שְׂפָתָ֣י/ו
נָבֽוֹן
גַּ֤ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֱוִ֣יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
fool(ish)
Adj
מַ֭חֲרִישׁ
chârash
H2790
to plow/plot
V-Hiphil
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
יֵחָשֵׁ֑ב
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
אֹטֵ֖ם
ʼâṭam
H331
to shutter
V-Qal
שְׂפָתָ֣י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
נָבֽוֹן
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Niphal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:28
גַּ֤ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֱוִ֣יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
"fool(ish)"
Adj
The Hebrew word for a foolish person, someone who despises wisdom or mocks when guilty. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are quarrelsome or licentious. The KJV translates it as 'fool' or 'foolish man'.
Definition: 1) be foolish, foolish 1a) (subst) 1a1) of one who despises wisdom 1a2) of one who mocks when guilty 1a3) of one who is quarrelsome 1a4) of one who is licentious
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish) (man). See also: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 107:17.
מַ֭חֲרִישׁ
chârash
H2790
"to plow/plot"
V-Hiphil
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
יֵחָשֵׁ֑ב
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
אֹטֵ֖ם
ʼâṭam
H331
"to shutter"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to shut or close something, like lips or ears, and is used to describe stopping or blocking something, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to shut, shut up, close 1a) (Qal) to shut, stop (of lips) 1b) (Hiphil) of the wicked stopping their ears (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: narrow, shut, stop. See also: 1 Kings 6:4; Isaiah 33:15; Psalms 58:5.
שְׂפָתָ֣י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
נָבֽוֹן
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Niphal
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:28
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:28
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:28
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:28
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
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 13:5 | If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom! |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:2 | The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 10:14 | Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 5:3 | As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 10:3 | Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. |
Proverbs 17:28 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 17:28, tells us that even someone who is not typically wise can seem wise if they just keep quiet. It's not saying we should never speak, but rather that sometimes it's better to listen and think before talking, as also encouraged in Proverbs 17:27. By choosing our words carefully, we can show that we are thoughtful and wise, much like the person described in Proverbs 10:19 who restrains their lips. This helps us to be more like the discerning person described in this verse, and to have more peaceful and respectful interactions with others, as encouraged in James 1:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be considered wise if one keeps silent?
According to Proverbs 17:28, even someone who is not typically wise can be thought of as wise if they choose to remain silent, as seen in the example of a man of knowledge restraining his words in Proverbs 17:27.
Is this verse suggesting that it's always best to remain silent?
Not necessarily, but rather that there is a time and a place for speaking and for silence, as indicated in Ecclesiastes 3:7, which says there is a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.
How does this verse relate to being discerning?
Being discerning, as mentioned in Proverbs 17:28, involves using discretion and wise judgment, often by choosing not to speak, which is also encouraged in Proverbs 10:19, where it says that the one who restrains his lips is prudent.
What can we learn from this verse about our daily interactions?
This verse teaches us the value of self-control and thoughtful communication, reminding us that sometimes the wisest thing to do is to listen and observe rather than speak, as encouraged in James 1:19, which says we should be quick to listen and slow to speak.
Reflection Questions
- In what situations do I tend to speak without thinking, and how can I apply the principle from Proverbs 17:28 to those situations?
- What are some times when I have chosen to remain silent, and what were the outcomes?
- How can I balance the need to speak up and share my thoughts with the wisdom of knowing when to remain silent?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of a wise and discerning person, and how can I cultivate those qualities in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise,.... Not only one that is sparing of his words, and is really a man of knowledge and understanding; but even a feel, if he is but silent, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:28
Is counted wise, because he is sensible of his own folly, and therefore forbears to speak, lest he should discover it; which is a great point of true wisdom.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:28
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.Ver. 28. Even a fool when he holdeth his peace, &c.] “παςτιςαπαιδευτοςφρονιμωτατοςεστισιωπιων.” "Oh that you would altogether hold your peace, and it should be your wisdom," saith Job to his friends that spake much, but said little
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:28
Verse 28. Even a fool] He is counted wise as to that particular. He may know that he cannot speak well, and he has sense enough to keep from speaking. He is, as to that particular, a wise fool. A man may be golden-mouthed and silver-tongued in eloquence; but to know when and where to speak and to be silent, is better than diamonds. But who that thinks he can speak well can refrain from speaking? His tongue has no rest.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:28
28. he that shutteth &c.] Or, with R.V. text, when he (i.e. the fool of the former clause of the verse) shutteth … he is esteemed as prudent. Mr Horton (Book of Proverbs, p. 177) quotes the old Norse proverb, “An unwise man when he comes among the people Had best be silent: no one knows That he nothing knows, unless he talks too much.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:28
Is esteemed - Or, “is” (simply). The maxim would imply that silence is in any case good.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:28
28. Is esteemed a man of understanding — Of discernment, discreetness.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Being an Encourager by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing when to speak and when to be silent, drawing from the wisdom of Proverbs. He also highlights the power of sharing t |
|
(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to |
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Guidelines to Freedom Part 8 - the Truth Matters by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenge of delivering things to people on time. He shares a strategy of overestimating the delivery time to avoid disappointing the reci |
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The Tongue! by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's grace to keep silent in the face of opposition, especially within the home, to avoid losing relationships due to impulsive re |
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Stories From the Desert Fathers by Desert Fathers | The Desert Fathers, including Abba Agathon, Abba Anthony the Great, Abba Evagrius Ponticus, Abba Isaiah, Abba Sylvanus, Abba Poemen, and Theophilus the Archbishop, share profound w |
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Step 11 on Talkativeness and Silence. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus emphasizes the dangers of judgment, the importance of deliberate silence, and the virtues of controlling one's tongue and embracing silence to draw near to God. H |
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The Blessing of Quietness by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound blessings of quietness, illustrating how it benefits both the individual and those around them. He highlights the biblical wisdom that encourage |