Bible Strands
Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The wisdom writer addresses readers in a didactic context, immediately following verse 27’s instruction to restrain words and maintain a calm spirit.
The words — מַ֭חֲרִישׁ (Ma.cha.rish) = keeps silent, and אֹטֵ֖ם ('o.Tem) = shuts, describing the physical restraint of speech.
The thread — Job 13:5 explicitly ties remaining silent to wisdom, while Ecclesiastes 10:14 contrasts the fool’s multiplication of words with the uncertainty of the future.
Why it lands — The text states that silence makes a fool appear wise and holding his tongue makes him seem discerning. It requires the reader to recognize that restraint can mask folly, and to pursue genuine understanding rather than relying on quietness as a substitute for wisdom.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
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.
Cross-references
- Job 13:5 If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!
- Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
- Ecclesiastes 10:14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?
- Ecclesiastes 5:3 As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.
- Ecclesiastes 10:3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.