Berean Standard Bible
“Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.”
Proverbs has many sayings about speech, contrasting the wise who restrain their words with the fool who pours them out. This verse comes at the end of chapter 17 and closes a run of proverbs about foolish talk and quarrels.
Open Study notes above for the full note.
Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.
World English Bible (WEB)
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
King James Version (KJV)
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is [esteemed as] prudent.
Bible in Basic English (BBE)
Even the foolish man, when he keeps quiet, is taken to be wise: when his lips are shut he is credited with good sense.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)
—
Reina-Valera 1909 (RVR 1909)
Aun el necio cuando calla, es contado por sabio: el que cierra sus labios es entendido.
Sagradas Escrituras 1569 (SE 1569)
—
Nueva Biblia Viva (NBV)
Hasta un necio pasa por sabio si guarda silencio; se le considera prudente si cierra la boca.
Be the first to discuss this verse in Yeshva.
Share your thoughts on this verse with the Yeshva community.
Discuss in Yeshva
