Proverbs 17:27 Meaning and Explanation
“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The knowledgeable person speaks little, and the wise person maintains a serene temperament.
The Context of Proverbs 17:27
Proverbs repeatedly celebrates silence and self-control as marks of wisdom.
What Does Proverbs 17:27 Mean?
The verse links two marks of true wisdom: restraint in speech and peace of spirit. The person with real knowledge does not need to prove it by talking constantly. He can afford to be silent because he knows the truth and has no anxiety about being doubted. His confidence is quiet, not loud. Similarly, the man of understanding carries an excellent or noble spirit—calm, self-possessed, unruffled.
This contrasts with the fool, who must fill every silence, defend every statement, and react emotionally to every provocation. True understanding brings freedom from the need to perform or convince. The wise person rests in the security of what he knows, and this rest shows itself in his bearing and his measured speech.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 17:27
What does Proverbs 17:27 mean?
The knowledgeable person speaks little, and the wise person maintains a serene temperament.
What is the context of Proverbs 17:27?
Proverbs repeatedly celebrates silence and self-control as marks of wisdom.