Read the Bible — American Standard Version · Proverbs

Proverbs 17

1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Better H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
  • a dry H2720 (חָרֵב) — parched or ruined
  • morsel H6595 (פַּת) — a bit
  • and quietness H7962 (שַׁלְוָה) — security (genuine or false)
  • therewith, than an house H1004 (בַּיִת) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
  • full H4392 (מָלֵא) — full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
  • of sacrifices H2077 (זֶבַח) — properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
  • strife H7379 (רִיב) — a contest (personal or legal)

2 A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A wise H7919 (שָׂכַל) — to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
  • servant H5650 (עֶבֶד) — a servant
  • shall have rule H4910 (מָשַׁל) — to rule
  • over a son H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
  • that causeth shame H954 (בּוּשׁ) — properly, to pale, i.e. by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
  • and shall have part H2505 (חָלַק) — to be smooth (figuratively); by implication (as smooth stones were used for lots) to apportion or separate
  • of the inheritance H5159 (נַחֲלָה) — properly, something inherited, i.e. (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
  • among H8432 (תָּוֶךְ) — a bisection, i.e. (by implication) the centre
  • the brethren H251 (אָח) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like 1])

3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • The fining pot H4715 (מִצְרֵף) — a crucible
  • for silver H3701 (כֶּסֶף) — silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
  • and the furnace H3564 (כּוּר) — a pot or furnace (as if excavated)
  • for gold H2091 (זָהָב) — gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky
  • But Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • trieth H974 (בָּחַן) — to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
  • the hearts H3826 (לִבָּה) — the heart

4 An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A wicked doer H7489 (רָעַע) — properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e. bad (physically, socially or morally)
  • giveth heed H7181 (קָשַׁב) — to prick up the ears, i.e. hearken
  • to false H205 (אָוֶן) — strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
  • lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
  • a liar H8267 (שֶׁקֶר) — an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
  • giveth ear H238 (אָזַן) — to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e. (by implication) to listen
  • to a naughty H1942 (הַוָּה) — by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin
  • tongue H3956 (לָשׁוֹן) — the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of…

5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; And he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Whoso mocketh H3932 (לָעַג) — to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly
  • the poor H7326 (רוּשׁ) — to be destitute
  • reproacheth H2778 (חָרַף) — to pull off, i.e. (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e. defame; to spend th…
  • his Maker H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
  • he that is glad H8056 (שָׂמֵחַ) — blithe or gleeful
  • at calamities H343 (אֵיד) — oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin
  • shall not be unpunished H5352 (נָקָה) — to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e. extirpated

6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Children’s H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
  • children H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
  • the crown H5850 (עֲטָרָה) — a crown
  • of old men H2205 (זָקֵן) — old
  • and the glory H8597 (תִּפְאָרָה) — ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
  • of children H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
  • their fathers H1 (אָב) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Excellent H3499 (יֶתֶר) — properly, an overhanging, i.e. (by implication) an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope (as hanging free)
  • speech H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
  • becometh H5000 (נָאוֶה) — suitable, or beautiful
  • not a fool H5036 (נָבָל) — stupid; wicked (especially impious)
  • much less do lying H8267 (שֶׁקֶר) — an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
  • lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
  • a prince H5081 (נָדִיב) — properly, voluntary, i.e. generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)

8 A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A gift H7810 (שַׁחַד) — a donation (venal or redemptive)
  • a precious H2580 (חֵן) — graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
  • stone H68 (אֶבֶן) — a stone
  • in the eyes H5869 (עַיִן) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
  • of him that hath H1167 (בַּעַל) — a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
  • it: whithersoever it turneth H6437 (פָּנָה) — to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. appear, look, etc.
  • it prospereth H7919 (שָׂכַל) — to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends.

Cross references & Strong's
Cross references (TSK): Psalms 32:1 · Proverbs 10:12 · Proverbs 16:28 · 1 Peter 4:8
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • He that covereth H3680 (כָּסָה) — properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
  • a transgression H6588 (פֶּשַׁע) — a revolt (national, moral or religious)
  • seeketh H1245 (בָּקַשׁ) — to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
  • love H160 (אַהֲבָה)
  • but he that repeateth H8138 (שָׁנָה) — to fold, i.e. duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)
  • a matter H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
  • separateth H6504 (פָּרַד) — to break through, i.e. spread or separate (oneself)
  • friends H441 (אַלּוּף) — familiar; a friend, also gentle; hence, a bullock (as being tame; applied, although masculine, to a cow); and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)

10 A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A reproof H1606 (גְּעָרָה) — a chiding
  • entereth H5181 (נָחַת) — to sink, i.e. descend; causatively, to press or lead down
  • more into a wise man H995 (בִּין) — to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand
  • than an hundred H3967 (מֵאָה) — a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
  • stripes H5221 (נָכָה) — to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
  • into a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly

11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • An evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
  • seeketh H1245 (בָּקַשׁ) — to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
  • only rebellion H4805 (מְרִי) — bitterness, i.e. (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious
  • therefore a cruel H394 (אַכְזָרִי) — terrible
  • messenger H4397 (מַלְאָךְ) — a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
  • shall be sent H7971 (שָׁלַח) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Let a bear H1677 (דֹּב) — the bear (as slow)
  • robbed H7909 (שַׁכּוּל) — bereaved
  • of her whelps meet H6298 (פָּגַשׁ) — to come in contact with, whether by accident or violence; figuratively, to concur
  • a man H376 (אִישׁ) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
  • rather than H408 (אַל) — not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
  • a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
  • in his folly H200 (אִוֶּלֶת) — silliness

13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Whoso rewardeth H7725 (שׁוּב) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally…
  • evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
  • for good H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
  • shall not depart H4185 (מוּשׁ) — to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)
  • from his house H1004 (בַּיִת) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • The beginning H7225 (רֵאשִׁית) — the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
  • of strife H4066 (מָדוֹן) — a contest or quarrel
  • when one letteth out H6362 (פָּטַר) — to cleave or burst through, i.e. (causatively) to emit, whether literal or figurative (gape)
  • water H4325 (מַיִם) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
  • therefore leave off H5203 (נָטַשׁ) — properly, to pound, i.e. smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusively, reject,…
  • contention H7379 (רִיב) — a contest (personal or legal)
  • before H6440 (פָּנִים) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (befo…
  • it be meddled H1566 (גָּלַע) — to be obstinate

15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • He that justifieth H6663 (צָדַק) — to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
  • the wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
  • and he that condemneth H7561 (רָשַׁע) — to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
  • the just H6662 (צַדִּיק) — just
  • even they both H8147 (שְׁנַיִם) — two; also (as ordinal) twofold
  • abomination H8441 (תּוֹעֵבַה) — properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
  • to Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God

16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding?

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • a price H4242 (מְחִיר) — price, payment, wages
  • in the hand H3027 (יָד) — a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of a…
  • of a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
  • to get H7069 (קָנָה) — to erect, i.e. create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
  • wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
  • no heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything

17 A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A friend H7453 (רֵעַ) — an associate (more or less close)
  • loveth H157 (אָהַב) — to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
  • at all times H6256 (עֵת) — time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc.
  • and a brother H251 (אָח) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like 1])
  • is born H3205 (יָלַד) — to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
  • for adversity H6869 (צָרָה) — tightness (i.e. figuratively, trouble); transitively, a female rival

18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
  • void H2638 (חָסֵר) — lacking; hence, without
  • of understanding H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
  • striketh H8628 (תָּקַע) — to clatter, i.e. slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become bondsman b…
  • hands H3709 (כַּף) — the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree); fig…
  • becometh H6148 (עָרַב) — to braid, i.e. intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)
  • surety H6161 (עֲרֻבָּה) — something given as security, i.e. (literally) a token (of safety) or (metaphorically) a bondsman
  • in the presence H6440 (פָּנִים) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (befo…
  • of his friend H7453 (רֵעַ) — an associate (more or less close)

19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • He loveth H157 (אָהַב) — to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
  • transgression H6588 (פֶּשַׁע) — a revolt (national, moral or religious)
  • that loveth H157 (אָהַב) — to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
  • strife H4683 (מַצָּה) — a quarrel
  • he that exalteth H1361 (גָּבַהּ) — to soar, i.e. be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
  • his gate H6607 (פֶּתַח) — an opening (literally), i.e. door (gate) or entrance way
  • seeketh H1245 (בָּקַשׁ) — to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
  • destruction H7667 (שֶׁבֶר) — a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

20 He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • He that hath a perverse H6141 (עִקֵּשׁ) — distorted; hence, false
  • heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
  • findeth H4672 (מָצָא) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
  • no good H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
  • and he that hath a perverse H2015 (הָפַךְ) — to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
  • tongue H3956 (לָשׁוֹן) — the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of…
  • falleth H5307 (נָפַל) — to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
  • into mischief H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • He that begetteth H3205 (יָלַד) — to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
  • a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
  • to his sorrow H8424 (תּוּגָה) — depression (of spirits); concretely a grief
  • and the father H1 (אָב) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
  • of a fool H5036 (נָבָל) — stupid; wicked (especially impious)
  • hath no joy H8055 (שָׂמַח) — probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A merry H8056 (שָׂמֵחַ) — blithe or gleeful
  • heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
  • doeth good H3190 (יָטַב) — to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
  • a medicine H1456 (גֵּהָה) — a cure
  • but a broken H5218 (נָכֵא) — smitten, i.e. (figuratively) afflicted
  • spirit H7307 (רוּחַ) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by re…
  • drieth H3001 (יָבֵשׁ) — to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
  • the bones H1634 (גֶּרֶם) — a bone (as the skeleton of the body); hence, self, i.e. (figuratively) very

23 A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
  • taketh H3947 (לָקַח) — to take (in the widest variety of applications)
  • a gift H7810 (שַׁחַד) — a donation (venal or redemptive)
  • out of the bosom H2436 (חֵיק) — the bosom (literally or figuratively)
  • to pervert H5186 (נָטָה) — to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
  • the ways H734 (אֹרַח) — a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
  • of judgment H4941 (מִשְׁפָּט) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or…

24 Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
  • before him that hath understanding H995 (בִּין) — to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand
  • before him that hath understanding H6440 (פָּנִים) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (befo…
  • but the eyes H5869 (עַיִן) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
  • of a fool H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
  • in the ends H7097 (קָצֶה) — an extremity
  • of the earth H776 (אֶרֶץ) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A foolish H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
  • son H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
  • a grief H3708 (כַּעַס) — vexation
  • to his father H1 (אָב) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
  • and bitterness H4470 (מֶמֶר) — sorrow
  • to her that bare H3205 (יָלַד) — to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

26 Also to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Also to punish H6064 (עָנַשׁ) — properly, to urge; by implication, to inflict a penalty, specifically, to fine
  • the just H6662 (צַדִּיק) — just
  • not good H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
  • to strike H5221 (נָכָה) — to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
  • princes H5081 (נָדִיב) — properly, voluntary, i.e. generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
  • for equity H3476 (יֹשֶׁר) — the right

27 He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • He that hath H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
  • knowledge H1847 (דַּעַת) — knowledge
  • spareth H2820 (חָשַׂךְ) — to restrain or (reflex.) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe
  • his words H561 (אֵמֶר) — something said
  • a man H376 (אִישׁ) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
  • of understanding H8394 (תָּבוּן) — intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
  • is of an excellent H7119 (קַר) — cool; figuratively, quiet
  • is of an excellent H3368 (יָקָר) — valuable (objectively or subjectively)
  • spirit H7307 (רוּחַ) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by re…

28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Even a fool H191 (אֱוִיל) — (figuratively) silly
  • when he holdeth his peace H2790 (חָרַשׁ) — to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad sense); he…
  • is counted H2803 (חָשַׁב) — properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e. (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense); h…
  • wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
  • he that shutteth H331 (אָטַם) — to close (the lips or ears); by analology to contract (a window by bevelled jambs)
  • his lips H8193 (שָׂפָה) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
  • a man of understanding H995 (בִּין) — to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand