Proverbs 17:27-28 (NASBStr)
He who restrains his words has knowledge,
And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.
Proverbs 17:27-28 (NIV1984)
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even- tempered.
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.
What great counsel is here given by Solomon. Note the contrast in these two proverbs; which could, without impunity, be handled separately, as well. If we hold our tongue and have a cool spirit (not hot tempered) we are said to be have knowledge and understanding. Yes, even a fool, who has no understanding or knowledge by very definition, is admired as though he is wise. There is an old Egyptian proverb that says if you would have kept silent you might be considered a philosopher. Those who are pensive and thoughtful and not rushing to say "their piece" are often thought wiser than those who ramble with nothingness until everyone notices. The balance we have here, as one commentary put it, is that if we speak too much we will be perceived as a wind-bag. If we don't talk we might be perceived as though we don't know anything. The power of the tongue to convey the heart is a like the big picture window into any home ... you can see what's going on quite easily. The calm spirit and slow tongue shows wisdom and prudence. Our society is full of people who simply want to say what they think. On the news program we call them the "talking heads." Yet, Solomon (the ultimate guy the news would go to today) says the wise man should be calm, cool, and of little words. We don't have to speak first and the loudest. Sometimes silence is the best way to convey a wise spirit. If it words for a fool who has nothing to do with wisdom, just think how well it work for those who do.
See also Proverbs 14:29; 16:32; 18:6-7, 13, 20, 21
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