Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This proverb isn't just about the virtue of silence; it highlights how easily we can appear wise by simply withholding our foolishness. It suggests that for a fool, closing their lips isn't just restraint, it's a strategic act that masks their folly and leads others to mistakenly believe they possess understanding.
This proverb appears within a collection of wise sayings that contrast foolish and wise behavior, often highlighting the importance of speech and silence. It follows verses discussing the dangers of gossip and the benefits of careful listening, setting the stage for an observation about how even a lack of speech can create an illusion of wisdom. The verse itself underscores the idea that refraining from speaking, especially when one has nothing wise to contribute, is a sign of prudence, a theme echoed in many cultures throughout history.
Ever felt like you've said too much and instantly regretted it? This verse offers a surprising perspective on silence, suggesting it can actually create an impression of wisdom.
This proverb isn't just about holding your tongue; it's about the perception of wisdom. Even someone genuinely foolish can appear wise if they simply refrain from speaking. Why?
This verse points out a curious paradox: a fool can actually act wisely by doing nothing. What does this tell us about the nature of true wisdom?
The proverb highlights that sometimes, the wisest action a fool can take is to say nothing at all. This isn't because they possess wisdom, but because they are sensible of their own folly.
Understand the original words
ewiyl · Hebrew Noun
In the wisdom literature, a fool (ewil) is not simply someone lacking intelligence, but someone who lacks moral and spiritual insight, often characterized by stubbornness, rejecting God's instruction, and acting against wisdom.
chakam · Hebrew Adjective
Wisdom (chokmah) is the skill of godly living. It is the application of divine truth to daily life, rooted in the fear of the Lord, and demonstrated through sound judgment and righteous conduct.
tabuwn · Hebrew Verb/Participle
In a biblical context, intelligence refers to discernment and the ability to distinguish truth from error. It is closely linked to wisdom and the practical application of understanding.
This passage echoes the wisdom of Proverbs by urging believers to be 'quick to listen, slow to speak,' highlighting that thoughtful listening is a mark of understanding, just as silence can be for a fool.
Job 13:5Job's friends even suggest that remaining silent would have been a wiser course for him, implying that sometimes wisdom is demonstrated by refraining from speech, especially when one doesn't fully grasp the situation.
Ecclesiastes 3:7This verse speaks of 'a time to keep silence, and a time to speak,' offering a broader perspective that silence itself is a valuable and appropriate response in certain circumstances, aligning with the idea that knowing *when* to be quiet is wise.
Proverbs 15:2This verse directly contrasts the fool's foolish talk with the wise person's knowledge, showing that a fool often reveals their foolishness through speech, while wise words communicate knowledge and understanding.
barnesProverbs 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."
Is esteemed - Or, "is" (simply). The maxim would imply that silence is in any case good.
pooleProverbs 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."
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.
This proverb isn't just about the virtue of silence; it highlights how easily we can appear wise by simply withholding our foolishness. It suggests that for a fool, closing their lips isn't just restraint, it's a strategic act that masks their folly and leads others to mistakenly believe they possess understanding.
This proverb appears within a collection of wise sayings that contrast foolish and wise behavior, often highlighting the importance of speech and silence. It follows verses discussing the dangers of gossip and the benefits of careful listening, setting the stage for an observation about how even a lack of speech can create an illusion of wisdom. The verse itself underscores the idea that refraining from speaking, especially when one has nothing wise to contribute, is a sign of prudence, a theme echoed in many cultures throughout history.
This proverb appears within a collection of wise sayings that contrast foolish and wise behavior, often highlighting the importance of speech and silence. It follows verses discussing the dangers of gossip and the benefits of careful listening, setting the stage for an observation about how even a lack of speech can create an illusion of wisdom. The verse itself underscores the idea that refraining from speaking, especially when one has nothing wise to contribute, is a sign of prudence, a theme echoed in many cultures throughout history.
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"Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent." — This proverb isn't just about the virtue of silence; it highlights how easily we can appear wise by simply withholding our foolishness. It suggests that for a fool, closing their lips isn't just re…
