This verse is part of Solomon’s contrast between a wise and righteous person and a wicked fool, and it focuses on their different speech patterns. The verse suggests that the ability to control one’s tongue is a sign of wisdom, and that it’s better to say nothing than to speak foolishly.
The verse also contrasts the characteristics of a prudent man with those of a foolish man:
- Prudent manCircumspect, aware of surroundings, has accurate information, has virtue, doesn’t feel the need to say everything he knows
- Foolish manOnly concerned with himself, has incomplete information, has no value in concealing his thoughts, trusts everyone and respects no one, can’t keep quiet, will say everything he knows and even announce his thoughts, whatever he talks about will tend toward foolishness
This sentiment resembles Proverbs 17:28. The simple ability to keep control of one’s tongue is a sign of wisdom. At the very least, it’s better to say nothing than to babble out something foolish. Even if others might think poorly of the silent person, there is great advantage in being careful with one’s words (Proverbs 10:19). An English proverb derived from these ideas says, “it’s better to be silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”
The word translated “prudent” here also means “sensible.” A person with good sense does not feel led to ramble about what he knows, or thinks he knows. It is wise to keep quiet about one’s knowledge, waiting for the right moment to offer good advice. In that restraint, a person shows humility. In contrast, a fool is quick to speak, likely to spit out something inane rather than helpful. Such a person is vain and ignorant (Proverbs 12:16). He mistakes his foolish counsel as wisdom that he feels compelled to share with anyone within earshot (Proverbs 13:16).