Proverbs 17:28 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

NIV: Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

NASB: Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

CSB: Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent— discerning, when he seals his lips.

NLT: Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

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

NKJV: Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

Controlling one's words is difficult (James 3:2–5). One of the most common human errors is using inappropriate or poorly considered speech. This is such a frequent issue that merely choosing to remain silent—to say nothing, at all—gives the impression of wisdom. Even if someone is wallowing in stupidity and ignorance, those flaws are disguised by their silence. An English proverb rephrases this wisdom by saying "it is better to be thought a fool and remain silent than to speak up and remove all doubt."

The apostle Peter exhorts believers to follow a path of faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, and godliness (2 Peter 1:5–6). Before Jesus changed Peter's life, Peter demonstrated a serious lack of self-control, demonstrated first in his speech. Peter often said whatever was on his mind, without much caution (John 13:36–38). He had a habit of reacting, rather than acting with caution; this was not always bad (Matthew 14:28–29). Yet, after Jesus announced his betrayal and crucifixion, Peter blurted out, "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you" (Matthew 16:21–22). However, Jesus rebuked Peter for his ignorant response (Matthew 16:23). Later, when Jesus was arrested, Peter showed a form of bravery, but a lack of discipline, when he slashed the high priest's servant (Matthew 26:51; John 18:10).

This portion of Solomon's wise sayings involves several recurring themes. Among these are the importance of controlling one's words: hasty or spiteful language can do great harm. He also notes how wisdom and foolishness tend to be self-perpetuating. Wise people seek wisdom, foolish people seem immune to it. Other important topics are the impact of ungodly children on a family and the value of integrity and common sense.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.