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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 17:27 A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/17-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/20_Pro_17_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 17:27 - Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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a person with understanding is even-tempered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that hath knowledge spareth his words: <i>and</i> a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who has knowledge spares his words, <i>And</i> a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who withholds his words has knowledge, And one who has a cool spirit is a person of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who holds back his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of discernment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who has knowledge restrains <i>and</i> is careful with his words, And a man of understanding <i>and</i> wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who has knowledge restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a person of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It makes a lot of sense to be a person of few words and to stay calm. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that spareth his words hath knowledge: and he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever has knowledge controls his words, and a person who has understanding is even-tempered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Those who are sure of themselves do not talk all the time. People who stay calm have real insight. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever controls what he says is knowledgeable; anyone who has a calm spirit is a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, "" And the cool of temper [is] a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper is a man of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He withholding his words will shew knowledge: I man of understanding is a cool spirit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that setteth bounds to his words. is knowing and wise: and the man of understanding is of a precious spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever moderates his words is learned and prudent. And a man of learning has a precious spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who spare their words are truly knowledgeable, and those who are discreet are intelligent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />One who spares words is knowledgeable; one who is cool in spirit has understanding.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who spares his words has knowledge; and he who is patient is a wise man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that spares his words knows knowledge, and a patient man is wise.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that husbandeth his spirit is a man of discernment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/17-27.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3495" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">26</span>It is surely not good to punish the innocent or to flog a noble for his honesty. <span class="reftext">27</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·w·ḏê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">A man of knowledge</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: dā·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2820.htm" title="2820: ḥō·w·śêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To withhold, refrain. A primitive root; to restrain or Refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; also to observe.">restrains</a> <a href="/hebrew/561.htm" title="561: ’ă·mā·rāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Speech, word. From 'amar; something said.">his words,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">and a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8394.htm" title="8394: tə·ḇū·nāh (N-fs) -- An understanding. And tbuwnah; or towbunah; from biyn; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice.">of understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/7119.htm" title="7119: wə·qar (Adj-msc) -- Cool. Contracted from an unused root meaning to chill; cool; figuratively, quiet.">maintains a calm</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: (N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">spirit.</a> </span><span class="reftext">28</span>Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:2</a></span><br />Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a></span><br />We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11</a></span><br />A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Proverbs 18:13</a></span><br />He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></span><br />A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a></span><br />He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that has knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.</p><p class="hdg">spareth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></b></br> In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips <i>is</i> wise.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a></b></br> The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></b></br> Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:</p><p class="hdg">an excellent spirit</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a></b></br> <i>He that is</i> slow to anger <i>is</i> better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:17</a></b></br> The words of wise <i>men are</i> heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/3-18.htm">James 3:18</a></b></br> And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/139-3.htm">Acquainted</a> <a href="/psalms/131-2.htm">Calm</a> <a href="/judges/3-24.htm">Cool</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Little</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Restrains</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Restraint</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Spares</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Spareth</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Sparing</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Temper</a> <a href="/exodus/30-35.htm">Tempered</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/esther/6-8.htm">Uses</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/27-23.htm">Acquainted</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-4.htm">Calm</a> <a href="/songs/2-17.htm">Cool</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-11.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-20.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-33.htm">Little</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-16.htm">Restrains</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Restraint</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-19.htm">Spares</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Spareth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Sparing</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Temper</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-24.htm">Tempered</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-15.htm">Uses</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-4.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Contrasts between the Righteous and the Wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A man of knowledge restrains his words</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of wisdom and self-control in speech. In biblical times, the ability to speak wisely and sparingly was highly regarded. Proverbs often contrasts the wise and the foolish, with the wise being those who know when to speak and when to remain silent. This restraint is seen as a sign of maturity and understanding. <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a> echoes this sentiment, advising believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." The restraint in speech is also a reflection of one's character and understanding of the power of words, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>, which states that "the tongue has the power of life and death."<p><b>and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit</b><br>This part of the verse highlights the importance of maintaining composure and peace, even in challenging situations. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, where honor and shame were significant social values, maintaining a calm spirit was a sign of strength and dignity. The ability to remain calm is often associated with trust in God and reliance on His wisdom, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/26-3.htm">Isaiah 26:3</a>, which promises perfect peace to those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in God. This calmness is also a fruit of the Spirit, as described in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>, where self-control and peace are listed among the attributes of a life led by the Spirit. The ultimate example of maintaining a calm spirit is found in Jesus Christ, who, even when faced with persecution and crucifixion, remained composed and forgiving, as seen in <a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was highly valued.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_man.htm">Wise Man</a></b><br>Represents individuals who embody the virtues of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as described in Proverbs.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_restraint.htm">The Value of Restraint</a></b><br>Restraining one's words is a sign of knowledge and wisdom. It reflects a deep understanding of the power of words and the potential consequences of speaking without thought.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivating_a_calm_spirit.htm">Cultivating a Calm Spirit</a></b><br>Maintaining a calm spirit is indicative of understanding. It shows emotional maturity and the ability to remain composed in various situations, which is crucial for effective communication and conflict resolution.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_speech.htm">Wisdom in Speech</a></b><br>The wise person knows when to speak and when to remain silent. This discernment is a hallmark of a mature believer who seeks to honor God with their words.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/emotional_control.htm">Emotional Control</a></b><br>A calm spirit is not just about outward composure but also about inner peace. This control is rooted in trust in God and reliance on His wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ-like_character.htm">Reflecting Christ-like Character</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character, which includes being measured in our speech and maintaining peace in our hearts.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_having_a_calm_spirit.htm">What defines having a calm spirit?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_the_future.htm">What defines having a calm spirit?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_sexual_desires.htm">What does 'quick to listen, slow to speak' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_epistemology.htm">What is epistemology?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(27) <span class= "bld">He that hath knowledge </span>. . .--This verse will better be rendered, <span class= "ital">He that restrains his words hath knowledge, and one who is cool of temper is a man of understanding. </span>The avoidance of rash speech and hasty temper is here advised.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 27.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that hath knowledge spareth his words;</span> Revised Version, <span class="accented">he that spareth his words hath knowledge</span>; he shows his common sense, not by rash talk or saying all he knows, but by restraining his tongue (comp. <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a>; <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a>). 'Pirke Aboth' (1:18), "All my days I have grown up amongst the wise, and have not found aught good for a man but silence; not learning but doing is the groundwork, and whoso multiplies words occasions sin" Say the Greek gnomes - <p><span class="greek">Ἐνίοις τὸ σιγᾷν ἐστὶ κρεῖττον τοῦ λέγειν</span><br /><span class="greek">Κρεῖττον σιωπᾷν η} λαλεῖν α} μὴ πρέπει</span> And Theognis (5:815) writes - <p><span class="greek">Βοῦς μοι ἐπὶ γλώσσης κρατερῷ ποδὶ λὰξ ἐπιβαίνων</span><br /><span class="greek">Ἴσχει κωτίλλειν καίπερ ἐπιστάμενον</span> Speech for a shekel, silence for two; it is like a precious stone ('Qoheleth Rabbah,' 5:5). Septuagint, "He who spareth to utter a harsh speech is prudent" (<span class="greek">ἐπιγνώμων</span>). <span class="cmt_word">A man of understanding is of an excellent spirit;</span> Revised Version, <span class="accented">he that is of a coot spirit is a man of understanding</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> he who considers before he speaks, and never answers in hot haste, proves that he is wise and intelligent. Septuagint, "The long suffering man is prudent." The above is the reading of the Khetib, followed by most interpreters. The Keri gives, "of a precious spirit" (<span class="accented">pretiosi spiritus</span>, Vulgate), that is, one whose words are weighty and valuable, not lavishly thrown about, but reserved as costly jewels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/17-27.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A man of knowledge</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹדֵ֣עַ</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·ḏê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">restrains</span><br /><span class="heb">חוֹשֵׂ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·w·śêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2820.htm">Strong's 2820: </a> </span><span class="str2">To restrain, refrain, to refuse, spare, preserve, to observe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his words,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲ֭מָרָיו</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·mā·rāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_561.htm">Strong's 561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something said</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of understanding</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּבוּנָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḇū·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8394.htm">Strong's 8394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, an argument, caprice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">keeps a cool head.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְקַר־</span> <span class="translit">(yə·qar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7119.htm">Strong's 7119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cool, quiet</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:27 He who spares his words has knowledge (Prov. 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