Proverbs 17:28
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Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
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Speech reveals character (15:2; 29:11; Eccl 5:3; 10:12-14). Careful, deliberate, profitable, and appropriate speech marks a wise man. Hasty, impulsive, vain, and froward words mark a foolish and wicked man. A fool may never say anything profitable or appropriate (Eccl 10:3); but reducing his words will make others think him careful and deliberate!
It is wisdom to see and hear well, but say little. Other men presume the silence indicates careful observation and deep consideration of a subject and a disciplined search for the appropriate thoughts and their words before speaking! Has wisdom ever been so cheap?
The tongue is dangerous and easily hurts others (10:19; 18:21; Jas 3:2-12); so wise men limit words to avoid sin (17:27; Job 13:5), and they study before speaking (15:28). It is better to be swift at hearing than to be swift in speaking (Jas 1:19-20). Mark it, reader.
Ah, but the fire to speak burns in men (Ps 39:1-3). They cannot quench this fire; they cannot shut off the flow; they cannot rule the impulse; they must talk, now! What a curse to have an unruly mouth and tell everyone within hearing distance that you are a fool. Close your mouth, and even though you are a fool, no one else will know it!
This proverb does not apply to all, as some do not speak enough. Wise men learn the balance, not too much to be foolish, enough to be a tree of life (10:21; 12:18; 15:4,23).
If this rule is true for men, it is truer for women, whose adorning feature is a meek and quiet spirit (I Pet 3:3-4). A talkative woman should cut her words in half to make sure she is not despised as the odious and clamorous woman (9:13; 11:16; 27:15; 30:23).
Abraham Lincoln, long after Solomon, confirmed wisdom by his well-known words, "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt."
If you don't have anything necessary, profitable, or good to say, why talk? We do not need constant noise to be happy or content. Silence is golden. Making conversation to fill a void is disturbing the peace and foolish talking, for which you will be judged (Eph 5:3-5). You are the fulfillment of crackling thorns that Solomon so despised (Eccl 7:4-6).
Our Lord Jesus warned that we shall give an account for every idle word (Matt 12:36). So let us provide wisely for our future at His judgment seat and protect our present reputations by holding our peace and shutting our lips. So help us, Lord.
Though men may think you wise for your silence in conversation, the Word of God is not deceived at all. All things are naked and opened before His eyes; He discerns the very thoughts and intents of your heart (Heb 4:12-14). So it is better to forsake your foolishness altogether and seek true wisdom in your heart. You cannot mislead Him.
The easiest way to enhance your reputation is to cut your words in half. Hasty speech and much speech are the marks of a fool. Closing your mouth and reducing your words will cause others to believe you are wise and understanding, even if you are a fool.
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