Proverbs 17:27-28 (NASBStr)
He who restrains his words has knowledge,
And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.
Proverbs 17:27-28 (NIV1984)
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even- tempered.
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 17:27 (ESV)
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,
and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
What great counsel is given here by Solomon. Note the contrast in these two proverbs; which could, without impunity, be handled separately, as well. If we hold our tongue and have a cool spirit (not hot tempered) we are said to be have knowledge and understanding. Yes, even a fool, who has no understanding or knowledge by definition, is admired as though he is wise, when he remains silent. There is an old Egyptian proverb that says, “If you would have kept silent you might be considered a philosopher.” Those who are pensive and thoughtful and not rushing to say "their piece" are often thought wiser than those who ramble with nothingness until everyone notices. The balance we have here, as one commentary put it, is that if we speak too much we will be perceived as knowing less. We will be seen as a wind-bag. The power of the tongue to convey the heart, is like the big picture window into any home ... you can see what's going on quite easily. The calm spirit and slow tongue shows wisdom and prudence. Our society is full of people who simply want to say what they think. On the news program we call them the "talking heads." Yet, Solomon (the ultimate guy the news would talk to, today) says the wise man should be calm, cool, and of little words. We don't have to speak first and the loudest. Sometimes silence is the best way to convey a wise spirit. We don’t have to be the first to step in and save the day. We can practice restraint. If it works for a fool who has nothing to do with wisdom, just think how well it work for those who do.
Allowing God to calm your spirit will allow Him to also provide you with wisdom. Wisdom is not something we accumulate over time, through the educational pedagogue, or through the study of the great authors of the word. Wisdom is a gift from God (James 1:5-6). In the above proverb Solomon is telling us that when our spirit is "cold" (calm and not affected or titilated by circumstances) we can be in a place to received wisdom and understanding. In the middle of the storm you can scream, run and fling your arms. Or, you can stay calm and look for shelter. Wisdom comes to those who call the Spirit of the Lord to give them peace in the storm and then He gives them wisdom to deal with it.
See also Proverbs 14:29; 16:32; 18:6-7, 13, 20, 21
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