Calm Down

Proverbs 17:27 (KJV) He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

As I read this verse in the NET I found a thought that I really liked.

Proverbs 17:27 (NET) The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning.

I like the idea of keeping calm as showing discernment.  I like it because I’m usually pretty good at keeping calm.  When I read the NASB I saw this idea reinforced.

Proverbs 17:27 (NASB95) He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Unfortunately, in this place, the KJV is more accurate in it’s total translation.  I can find the idea of wisdom in the first part of the verse in the sense of keeping my mouth shut, or restraining my words.  That is an all three translations and that is part of the concept but the attractive language of the second part is stretching it a bit.

So?  Look for the true meaning of the verse and what it’s really trying to say.  Here the concept is not being cool it is keeping your mouth shut.  It’s not quite as romantic but it’s more accurate.