Translation commentary on Proverbs 17:28

“Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise”: “Even” is used here in Hebrew to accent or emphasize the following noun. Some modern translations do not represent it. However, see Contemporary English Version and Bible en français courant below. “Keeps silent” means “does not talk” or “keeps his mouth shut.” “Is considered wise” means that people will think of him as wise, or have the impression that he is wise.

“When he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent”: This line is parallel to the first line. “Closes his lips” means that he refrains from talking, or remains silent, as in the first line. “Is deemed intelligent” is the matching term for “is considered wise” and has the same sense. Contemporary English Version translates this line “Even fools seem smart when they are quiet.” Bible en français courant renders this whole saying: “When he keeps silent even a fool seems sensible. When his lips are shut, one could think him intelligent.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

complete verse (Proverbs 17:28)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 17:28:

  • Kupsabiny: “If a fool keeps quiet, (it) is thought that (he is) wise
    and (he) is taken to be an understanding person when (he) does not speak.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Even a foolish person will appear to be wise
    if he remains silent.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Even the foolish are perceived-to-be wise and have understanding if they keep-quiet/silent” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Even the one who is mindless is as-if intelligent/wise if he remains-quiet.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • English: “People may think that foolish people who do not say anything are wise;
    if foolish people do not say anything/keep their mouths shut, others will think that they are very intelligent.” (Source: Translation for Translators)