Proverbs 17:27 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

Spareth, Heb. restraineth, as at other times, so especially when he is provoked to passion, in which case fools utter all their mind. An excellent spirit; which he showeth by commanding his passions, and bridling himself from hasty and unadvised speeches. Or, as others render it, is of a cool spirit, calm and moderate, not easily provoked; humble, as the Chaldee renders it; patient or long-suffering, as the LXX. and Arabic interpreters render the words. Or, as others, sparing (Heb. precious, which is put for rare or scarce, 1 Samuel 3:1 Proverbs 25:17 Isaiah 13:12) of his breath, i.e. of his speech, as this very word is used, Proverbs 29:11 Isaiah 11:4, compared with 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

Proverbs 17:27

27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a mani of understanding is of an excellent spirit.