17:28
Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning. The phrases in bold print both refer to not speaking.
28a Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent,
28b and discerning when he holds his tongue.
In Hebrew, as in the Berean Standard Bible, there is no verb in the first phrase of 17:28b. In some languages, it may need to be supplied from the parallel verb in 17:28a. The God’s Word has supplied a verb with similar meaning. It has:
28b He is considered intelligent if he keeps his lips sealed.
This verse may be closely connected with 17:27. That verse describes a truly wise person as someone who restrains his speech. Here, the author somewhat humorously points out that silence is not necessarily a sign of wisdom. People may think that even a fool is wise if he doesn’t speak at all.
17:28a–b
Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue: Some other ways to translate these two lines are:
28a Even a fool, if he keeps his mouth shut, will seem wise; 28b if he holds his tongue, he will seem intelligent. (Revised English Bible)
-or-
28a Even fools seem to be wise if they keep quiet; 28b if they don’t speak, they appear to understand. (New Century Version)
For fool, see fool 1 in the Glossary. For wise, see wisdom in the Glossary. For discerning, see discerning (Hebrew nabon) in the Glossary.
In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts. For example:
Even fools seem smart when they are quiet. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
After all, even fools may be thought wise and intelligent if they stay quiet and keep their mouths shut. (Good News Translation)
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