"He that hath knowledge spareth his words: a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
Proverbs 17:27-28
Part 1
“He that hath knowledge spareth his words:”
Knowledgeable people are cautious about what they say. This word “spareth” means,
“to withhold, restrain, hold back, keep in check, refrain.”1
We get the idea, the more they know, the less they have to say.
When Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu we killed by God for the “strange fire” they offered on the altar, it must have been a terrible shock to their father (Leviticus 10:1-2). Just two chapters earlier (Leviticus 8:13), Aaron’s boys had been “anointed and installed” as the priests of Israel. How could they be dead so soon? They had families and their lives ahead of them. Surely Aaron had many thoughts, and much he could say in his grief. But note his wise response when Moses spoke to him the LORD’S words,
“Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace” (Leviticus 10:3).
Aaron knew this judgment was for God’s glory, and he said nothing. He never exploded in anger nor cursed at God. He didn’t foolishly gripe that God wasn’t being fair. His humble silence confirmed that God’s glory was even more important than the lives of his sinful sons. And God’s glory was essential to Aaron.
“And a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.”
The “man of understanding” is the man who has “discernment” and “discrimination.”2 He is wise. And he is said to be “of an excellent spirit.”
“An excellent spirit” is,
“A man of calm (or noble) spirit is a man of understanding”3 (Barnes).
“And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”4
“…of a dignified, composed spirit; it is a quiet seriousness proceeding from high conscientiousness, and maintaining itself in self-control….”5
This kind of man seldom if ever loses his cool. He isn’t easily angered, he “holds it together.” He doesn’t need to have the last word. The opposite of this man’s character is the fool who must be gushing out his thoughts to anyone who will listen.
There are times when it might be possible for even a fool to be thought of as a wise man. Come back tomorrow and let’s see when that is… In the meantime, believers let’s choose our words and times to speak carefully.
1. Brown, Driver, Briggs. Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Hebrew Definitions, the electronic version in eSword.
2. E.W. Bullinger, The Companion Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
3. Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
4. Jamison, Fausset, and Brown. Jamison-Fausset-Brown’s Commentary, the electronic version in eSword.
5. Keil & Delitzsch, Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament, the electronic version in eSword.