Proverbs 17:28 kjv

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

Proverbs 17:28 nkjv

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

Proverbs 17:28 niv

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

Proverbs 17:28 esv

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

Proverbs 17:28 nlt

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

Proverbs 17 verses

Proverbs 17 28 Meaning

Proverbs 17:28 teaches that even an uninstructed or morally senseless person can be perceived as wise if they remain silent. By holding back their speech and restraining their lips, such an individual can be esteemed as one who possesses discernment and understanding. This verse highlights the profound value of discretion, the power of silence, and how human perception can be swayed more by absence of error than by explicit display of wisdom.

Proverbs 17 28 Context

Proverbs 17, like much of the book, consists of unconnected wise sayings that offer practical guidance for everyday life, often contrasting the ways of the righteous with those of the wicked, and the wise with the fool. This specific verse (17:28) functions as a warning and a practical observation. In a culture where speech and oral reputation carried significant weight, uncontrolled speech could quickly reveal a person's inner foolishness. Conversely, measured silence could grant one a false, or at least favorable, outward appearance. The historical context implies that social perception was paramount, and therefore, managing one's outward behavior, including speech, was a critical aspect of gaining respect and avoiding public scorn. This proverb is a critique of shallow judgment based solely on appearance, while also commending the strategic benefit of self-control in communication.

Proverbs 17 28 Word analysis

• Even: This conjunction ('ap, אַף) indicates surprise or an extreme case, underscoring that the principle applies unexpectedly even to someone so inherently unwise.
• a fool: ('ěwîl, אֱוִיל) Not merely someone lacking intelligence, but a morally deficient person. The Hebrew 'ewîl denotes one who despises wisdom and instruction, is headstrong, and prone to reckless behavior. They are characteristically arrogant and resist learning.
• when he holds his peace: (yiḥăšeh, יֶחֱשֶׁה) Derived from the verb "to be silent," "keep quiet." It denotes remaining still or refraining from speaking. It emphasizes a deliberate act of non-communication.
• is counted wise: (neḥšāḇ ḥākām, נֶחְשָׁב חָכָם) Neḥšāḇ means "is reckoned," "is esteemed," or "is accounted." This highlights the perception aspect; it's not about becoming wise but about appearing wise. Ḥākām is "wise," denoting skill, insight, and knowledge.
• and he that shuts: ('ôṣēr, אוֹצֵר) Literally "holding back" or "restraining." This term suggests a forceful and intentional act of control, actively closing off, rather than merely being quiet.
• his lips: (śǝfātāyw, שְׂפָתָיו) The physical instrument of speech, a synecdoche for the words spoken.
• is esteemed: (naḇôn, נָבוֹן) This is the key word here. Naḇôn means "discerning," "intelligent," "one who understands" or has insight. It refers to a person capable of sound judgment and critical thinking.

Words-group analysis:

• Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: This phrase powerfully illustrates the deceptive nature of outward appearance. The silence of the foolish can hide their lack of judgment, causing others to mistake their quietness for thoughtful deliberation or inherent wisdom, rather than an absence of wise things to say or the prevention of revealing folly.
• and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding: This is a parallel restatement, emphasizing the active, intentional effort to control speech. The "shutting of lips" suggests a disciplined self-restraint. This action implies a contemplative mind, making the person appear discerning, capable of understanding deep matters. Both parts of the proverb serve to stress that the lack of inappropriate or foolish words can significantly elevate one's social and intellectual standing in the eyes of others.

Proverbs 17 28 Bonus section

The proverb can be viewed from two angles: as a counsel to fools, encouraging them to keep silent to avoid exposure; and as a warning to the discerning, to not be too quick to judge someone as wise merely because they are quiet. True wisdom involves not only knowing when to be silent but also knowing when and how to speak effectively and righteously (Prov 25:11-12). The verse emphasizes the distinction between genuine internal wisdom and external perception or reputation. The human tendency is to equate quietness with deep thought or intellectual capacity, overlooking the possibility that it might simply be an empty vessel.

Proverbs 17 28 Commentary

Proverbs 17:28 provides a pithy insight into human perception and the strategic value of discretion. It ironically points out that a fool, whose words typically expose their folly, can achieve a semblance of wisdom merely by refraining from speaking. Their silence can mask their ignorance or poor judgment, allowing them to be mistakenly credited with profundity. This proverb is not an endorsement of silence as the ultimate form of wisdom for all, but rather a practical observation of its protective quality, especially for those lacking true discernment.

For a person with actual wisdom, choosing to remain silent is an act of prudence, showing the ability to discern when speaking is beneficial and when it is not (Eccles 3:7). However, for the fool, silence is a defense mechanism against self-exposure. The underlying message is that unguarded speech reveals true character, and often, less is more, especially when wisdom is scarce.

Practical usage:

• Before speaking in an unfamiliar situation, consider listening carefully.
• In moments of intense emotion or potential conflict, practice silence to prevent regretful words.
• Understand that initial judgments of others might be based on superficial appearances; true character is revealed over time, often through consistent actions and words.