Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. New Living Translation A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. English Standard Version Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Berean Standard Bible A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. King James Bible He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. New King James Version He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. New American Standard Bible One who withholds his words has knowledge, And one who has a cool spirit is a person of understanding. NASB 1995 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. NASB 1977 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Legacy Standard Bible He who holds back his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of discernment. Amplified Bible He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words, And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper). Christian Standard Bible The one who has knowledge restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a person of understanding. Holman Christian Standard Bible The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding. American Standard Version He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Contemporary English Version It makes a lot of sense to be a person of few words and to stay calm. English Revised Version He that spareth his words hath knowledge: and he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. GOD'S WORD® Translation Whoever has knowledge controls his words, and a person who has understanding is even-tempered. Good News Translation Those who are sure of themselves do not talk all the time. People who stay calm have real insight. International Standard Version Whoever controls what he says is knowledgeable; anyone who has a calm spirit is a man of understanding. Majority Standard Bible A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. NET Bible The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning. New Heart English Bible He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. Webster's Bible Translation He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. World English Bible He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionOne acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, "" And the cool of temper [is] a man of understanding. Young's Literal Translation One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper is a man of understanding. Smith's Literal Translation He withholding his words will shew knowledge: I man of understanding is a cool spirit. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe that setteth bounds to his words. is knowing and wise: and the man of understanding is of a precious spirit. Catholic Public Domain Version Whoever moderates his words is learned and prudent. And a man of learning has a precious spirit. New American Bible Those who spare their words are truly knowledgeable, and those who are discreet are intelligent. New Revised Standard Version One who spares words is knowledgeable; one who is cool in spirit has understanding. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe who spares his words has knowledge; and he who is patient is a wise man. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He that spares his words knows knowledge, and a patient man is wise. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that husbandeth his spirit is a man of discernment. Brenton Septuagint Translation He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness…26It is surely not good to punish the innocent or to flog a noble for his honesty. 27A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. 28Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.… Cross References James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. Ecclesiastes 5:2 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. James 3:2 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. Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. Ephesians 4:29 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. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Matthew 12:36-37 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.” Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him. Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. Proverbs 16:32 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. Treasury of Scripture He that has knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. spareth Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: an excellent spirit Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Ecclesiastes 9:17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Jump to Previous Acquainted Calm Cool Discernment Excellent Good Little Restrains Restraint Sense Spares Spareth Sparing Spirit Temper Tempered Understanding Uses WordsJump to Next Acquainted Calm Cool Discernment Excellent Good Little Restrains Restraint Sense Spares Spareth Sparing Spirit Temper Tempered Understanding Uses WordsProverbs 17 1. Contrasts between the Righteous and the WickedA man of knowledge restrains his words 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. James 1:19 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 Proverbs 18:21, which states that "the tongue has the power of life and death." and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. 2. Israel The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was highly valued. 3. Wise Man Represents individuals who embody the virtues of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as described in Proverbs. Teaching Points The Value of RestraintRestraining 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. Cultivating a Calm Spirit 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. Wisdom in Speech 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. Emotional Control 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. Reflecting Christ-like Character As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character, which includes being measured in our speech and maintaining peace in our hearts.(27) He that hath knowledge . . .--This verse will better be rendered, He that restrains his words hath knowledge, and one who is cool of temper is a man of understanding. The avoidance of rash speech and hasty temper is here advised. Verse 27. - He that hath knowledge spareth his words; Revised Version, he that spareth his words hath knowledge; he shows his common sense, not by rash talk or saying all he knows, but by restraining his tongue (comp. Proverbs 10:19; James 1:19). '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 - Ἐνίοις τὸ σιγᾷν ἐστὶ κρεῖττον τοῦ λέγειν Βοῦς μοι ἐπὶ γλώσσης κρατερῷ ποδὶ λὰξ ἐπιβαίνων |
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