Proverbs 17:28

WEB

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

KJV

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Commentary

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 does not betray his folly by his words, will be reckoned a wise man by those that do not know him; and, whatever fool he may be in other respects, yet in this he acts the wise part, that he holds his peace and says nothing; and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding; and keeps them shut, lest he should say anything rashly and hastily; a man that has so much command of himself as not to speak unadvisedly, through the heat of his own passions, and through the provocations of others, will pass for a man that understands himself, and knows how to behave well before others. Next: Proverbs Chapter 18 Sacred Texts | Bible « Previous: John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible: Proverbs: Pro... Index Next: John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible: Proverbs: Pro... »