Proverbs 17:28 (DRB)

Passage

Even a fool, if he will hold his peace, shall be counted wise: and if he close his lips, a man of understanding.

Nearby Context

Proverbs 17:26 It is no good thing to do hurt to the just: nor to strike the prince, who judgeth right.

Proverbs 17:27 He that setteth bounds to his words, is knowing and wise: and the man of understanding is of a precious spirit.

Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, if he will hold his peace, shall be counted wise: and if he close his lips, a man of understanding.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "even", "fool", "hold", "peace", "shall", "counted", "wise", and "close". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "even" and "fool", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The prior verse says "He that setteth bounds to his words...", giving immediate footing for "even" and "fool". In Proverbs context, the local focus is covenant, worship, and faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "even" and "fool" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.