King James Version
Proverbs 17:28 in the King James Version says “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understandin...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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 · KJV
Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. an: or, a cool
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
“when he holdeth his peace”
H2790to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
“is counted”
H2803properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
“and he that shutteth”
H331to close (the lips or ears); by analology to contract (a window by bevelled jambs)
“his lips”
H8193the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
“is esteemed a man of understanding”
H995to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Proverbs 17:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Proverbs 17:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge