Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. 

The second part affirms the virtue of deliberate silence. Here, the silence is not accidental or superficial; it is intentional. A person who “shuts his lips” does so with discipline and discernment. He knows the power of words and the danger of speaking hastily or unnecessarily. Because of this, he earns the esteem and respect of others as a man of understanding.

This isn’t about withholding speech out of fear or passivity, but rather practising wise restraint, knowing when to speak, and when to stay quiet. Such a person doesn’t speak to impress or fill silence, but to edify, instruct, or guide when needed.

This proverb offers wisdom for many areas of life: In conversation, avoid rushing to answer or always needing the last word. Thoughtful silence often speaks more powerfully than loud opinions. In leadership, true leaders don’t need to speak constantly. Their words are few, but meaningful, spoken with purpose, not pride. In conflict, silence can de-escalate tension. A calm response, or none at all, can defuse anger and preserve peace. In spiritual maturity: Self-control over the tongue is a mark of wisdom, humility, and godliness (10:19; cf. Jas. 1:19).

In summary: Silence has value, even when it comes from the unwise. A person is often judged not only by what they say, but by what they choose not to say. Measured speech reflects understanding. Impulsive words reveal folly. Cultivating the discipline of knowing when to speak and when to be silent is a cornerstone of true wisdom. This proverb invites us to consider: Do my words build up, or do they merely fill the air? Am I willing to be silent, even if it costs me attention or approval?

Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. 

This proverb presents a paradox of appearance and perception: how silence, even from someone lacking wisdom, can give the impression of intelligence and self-control. It both warns and encourages: it warns against reckless speech and encourages the virtue of thoughtful restraint.

‘Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise.’ The first part delivers a surprising truth: a fool can appear wise simply by being silent. A person who lacks understanding, who might otherwise expose his folly by careless speech, can temporarily mask his ignorance by choosing not to speak.

This suggests that the act of silence itself carries a kind of dignity, even if the motive behind it isn’t rooted in true wisdom. People tend to associate measured speech and quiet presence with thoughtfulness, depth, and discernment. As long as the fool restrains his tongue, people may assume there is something thoughtful or contemplative about him, when in reality, his silence is his only wisdom.

It is also a caution: don’t be too quick to assume someone is wise just because they are quiet. Silence can be a cover for folly, but ironically, it still achieves a better result than talking foolishly. In short: better to be thought wise and remain silent, than to speak and remove all doubt (as a common paraphrase goes).

To be continued…