Proverbs 17:28

What does Proverbs 17:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 17:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Even the foolish man, when he keeps quiet, is taken to be wise: when his lips are shut he is credited with good sense.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Even a fool keeping silence is reckoned wise, He who is shutting his lips intelligent!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Even a fool, if he will hold his peace, shall be counted wise: and if he close his lips, a man of understanding.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is reckoned wise, [and] he that shutteth his lips, intelligent.

Context

v.27He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

v.28This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:14

    A fool also multiplieth words: yet man knoweth not what shall be; and that which shall be after him, who can tell him?

  • Ecclesiastes 5:3

    For a dream cometh with a multitude of business, and a fool’s voice with a multitude of words.

  • Proverbs 15:2

    The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:3

    Yea also, when the fool walketh by the way, his understanding faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.

  • Job 13:5

    Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it would be your wisdom.

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