Proverbs 17:28 “Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when…”

Proverbs 17:28

Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

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

World English Bible

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

American Standard Version

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.

Geneva Bible 1599

Euen a foole (when he holdeth his peace) is counted wise, and hee that stoppeth his lips, prudent.

Darby Translation

Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is reckoned wise, [and] he that shutteth his lips, intelligent.

Young's Literal Translation

Even a fool keeping silence is reckoned wise, He who is shutting his lips intelligent!

Bible in Basic English

Even the foolish man, when he keeps quiet, is taken to be wise: when his lips are shut he is credited with good sense.

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Cross references

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

Job 13:5 Proverbs 15:2 Ecclesiastes 10:14 Ecclesiastes 5:3 Ecclesiastes 10:3

Job 13:5 · BSB

If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!

Proverbs 15:2 · BSB

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

Ecclesiastes 10:14 · BSB

Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?

Ecclesiastes 5:3 · BSB

As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.

Ecclesiastes 10:3 · BSB

Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

27A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.

Read Proverbs 17