Bible, Vol. 1. Old Testament -- Book 20. Proverbs 17:28 (Prov 17:28) [tr. NRSV (2021 ed.)]

Dave — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 12:25:59 +0000

Even fools who keep silent are considered wise;
when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.

חוֹשֵׂ֣ךְ אֲ֭מָרָיו יוֹדֵ֣עַ דָּ֑עַת (וקר) [יְקַר־]ר֝֗וּחַ אִ֣ישׁ תְּבוּנָֽה׃

The Bible (The Old Testament) (14th - 2nd C BC) Judeo-Christian sacred scripture [Tanakh, Hebrew Bible], incl. the Apocrypha (Deuterocanonicals)
Book 20. Proverbs 17:28 (Prov 17:28) [tr. NRSV (2021 ed.)]

See Twain.

(Source (Hebrew)). Other translations:

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
[KJV (1611)]

If a fool can hold his tongue, even he can pass for wise, and pass for clever if he keeps his lips tight shut.
[JB (1966)]

After all, even fools may be thought wise and intelligent if they stay quiet and keep their mouths shut.
[GNT (1976)]

If the fool holds his tongue, he may pass for wise; if he seals his lips, he may pass for intelligent.
[NJB (1985)]

Fools who keep quiet are deemed wise;
those who shut their lips are smart.
[CEB (2011)]

Even fools who keep silent are deemed wise;
Intelligent, while their mouth is shut.
[RJPS (2023 ed.)]

WIST Quotations

Bible, Vol. 1. Old Testament -- Book 20. Proverbs 17:28 (Prov 17:28) [tr. NRSV (2021 ed.)]