Proverbs 17:27
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse links "knowledge" not just with having information, but with the restraint of speech. It suggests that true understanding is revealed when we choose silence over rash or excessive talking, and that a calm spirit isn't just a personality trait, but a sign of deep wisdom.
This verse is part of a collection of wisdom sayings that explore the practical outworking of godly living. It follows warnings against being quarrelsome and highlights the importance of discretion in speech and managing one's temper. The proverb emphasizes that true wisdom isn't about talking more, but about knowing when to hold back and maintaining a calm demeanor.
Ever feel like you need to say everything that comes to mind? This verse suggests true knowledge calls for restraint.
The Value of Silence
The first part of this verse, "Whoever restrains his words has knowledge," challenges the idea that wisdom is shown by talking a lot. In fact, the opposite is often true. When you have a deep well of knowledge, you don't need to pour it all out constantly. You can choose when and how to speak, often saying less because you've already processed the information.
Does your temper sometimes get the best of you? This verse offers a profound link between emotional calm and genuine understanding.
The Power of a Calm Spirit
The second half of Proverbs 17:27 paints a powerful picture: "and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding." This isn't just about being laid-back; it's about a deliberate inner state that reflects deep wisdom.
Understand the original words
da'ath · Hebrew Noun
Biblical knowledge (da'ath) is not merely intellectual accumulation but a relational and practical understanding of God’s truth. It involves the ability to perceive reality correctly and act according to divine wisdom.
qar-ruwach · Hebrew Adjective/Noun phrase
Refers to emotional self-control, composure, and a temperate disposition. It is the opposite of impulsiveness or volatile anger, reflecting a heart governed by wisdom rather than reaction.
tebunah · Hebrew Noun
Biblical understanding (tebunah) refers to the capacity to discern between right and wrong, to insightfully apply truth to life’s situations, and to possess a deep, practical wisdom.
This passage directly echoes Proverbs 17:27, urging believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, highlighting the connection between thoughtful speech and a calm spirit.
Ecclesiastes 5:3This verse warns against excessive talk, especially concerning vows to God, reinforcing the idea that many words can lead to folly, similar to how restraining words indicates knowledge.
Proverbs 10:19This proverb states that in a multitude of words, sin is not absent, but he who restrains his lips is prudent, directly supporting the first part of Proverbs 17:27 about sparing words.
Colossians 4:6This verse advises that our speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, connecting the quality of our words to wisdom and making it relevant to the 'man of understanding' mentioned in Proverbs.
Matthew 12:36-37Jesus teaches that people will have to give an account for every careless word they speak, underscoring the profound importance and divine weight placed on our speech, as implied by the knowledge and understanding associated with controlling it.
barnesProverbs 17:27: "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit."
Better, A man of calm (or noble) spirit is a man of understanding.
bensonProverbs 17:27: "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit."
Proverbs 17:27-28 . He that hath knowledge spareth — Hebrew, חושׂךְ , restraineth, his words — As at other times, so especially when he is under a provocation to anger or any other passion, in which case fools utter all their minds. And a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit — Which he shows, as in various other things, so by commanding his passions, and bridling himself f…
The verse links "knowledge" not just with having information, but with the restraint of speech. It suggests that true understanding is revealed when we choose silence over rash or excessive talking, and that a calm spirit isn't just a personality trait, but a sign of deep wisdom.
This verse is part of a collection of wisdom sayings that explore the practical outworking of godly living. It follows warnings against being quarrelsome and highlights the importance of discretion in speech and managing one's temper. The proverb emphasizes that true wisdom isn't about talking more, but about knowing when to hold back and maintaining a calm demeanor.
This verse is part of a collection of wisdom sayings that explore the practical outworking of godly living. It follows warnings against being quarrelsome and highlights the importance of discretion in speech and managing one's temper. The proverb emphasizes that true wisdom isn't about talking more, but about knowing when to hold back and maintaining a calm demeanor.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Proverbs 17:27 is available in the Sola app.
"Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding." — The verse links "knowledge" not just with having information, but with the restraint of speech. It suggests that true understanding is revealed when we choose silence over rash or excessive talki…
