17:27

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

27a
A man of knowledge restrains his words,

27b and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.

The underlined parallel parts refer to a type of person who is both knowledgeable and understanding. Both lines stress the value of self-control. The context is probably one in which a person might be tempted to speak angrily and lose his temper. The first line focuses on restraining one’s words. The second line speaks more generally of controlling one’s emotions.

In both lines, the order of the parallel parts can be reversed. For example:

27a
He who restrains his words has knowledge,

27b and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. (Revised Standard Version)

You may use whatever order is more natural in your language.

17:27a

A man of knowledge: In Hebrew, this phrase refers to a person who knows how to conduct himself wisely. It implies that he is experienced or mature. It does not mean only that he knows a lot of information. Some other ways to express the meaning of this phrase are:

is knowledgeable (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
The truly wise person (NET Bible)

restrains his words: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “⌊one who⌋ restrains his words.” It refers to a person who limits or holds back potentially harmful words. He controls what he says and chooses his words carefully. This phrase may also imply that he does not talk too much, but that is not the primary emphasis. Another way to translate this phrase is:

controls his words (God’s Word)

This phrase is similar to the phrase “restrains his lips” in 10:19b. See the note there.

17:27b

and a man of understanding: This phrase refers to a person who has the good sense or ability to take appropriate action.

maintains a calm spirit: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as calm spirit is more literally “cool in spirit,” as in the New Revised Standard Version. It refers to someone who controls his emotions and remains calm. Some languages may be able to use an idiom that is similar to the New Revised Standard Version. For example:

keeps a cool head (Revised English Bible)

A way to translate the meaning without using a figurative expression is:

stays calm (NET Bible)

General Comment on 17:27a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts. See 17:27a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.

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