Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.
Even the foolish man, when he keeps quiet, is taken to be wise: when his lips are shut he is credited with good sense.
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: when he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.
Even a fool - He is counted wise as to that particular. He may know that he cannot speak well, and he has sense enough to keep from speaking. He is, as to that particular, a wise fool.
A man may be golden-mouthed and silver-tongued in eloquence; but to know when and where to speak and to be silent, is better than diamonds. But who that thinks he can speak well can refrain from speaking? His tongue has no rest.
Is esteemed - Or, "is" (simply). The maxim would imply that silence is in any case good.