Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent
Meaning: Saying nothing is often wiser than speaking without knowledge.
Origin: From Proverbs 17:28: "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German
- French: Même un imbécile semble sage s'il se tait (literally: Even a fool seems wise if he keeps quiet)
- Spanish: Incluso un necio parece sabio si guarda silencio (literally: Even a fool seems wise if he keeps silent)
- Japanese: 愚者も黙していれば賢者に見える (Gusha mo damashite ireba kenja ni mieru) (literally: A fool who keeps silent appears to be wise)
- German: Reden ist Silber, Schweigen ist Gold (literally: Speaking is silver, silence is gold)
More proverbs about Communication
- The tongue has no bones, but it is strong enough to break a heart — Words, though intangible, can inflict deep and lasting wounds.
- A problem shared is a problem halved — Talking about difficulties with others makes them easier to bear and to solve.
- Walls have ears — Be careful what you say — you may be overheard in unexpected places.
- The one who tells the stories rules the world — Whoever controls the narratives shapes beliefs, cultures, and civilizations.
- Well done is better than well said — Actions and results are far more valuable than promises and fine words.
- A word once spoken can never be recalled — Choose your words carefully, for once said they cannot be unsaid.
From our idioms
- 臥虎藏龍 (Wò hǔ cáng lóng) — Hidden talented individuals waiting quietly for their moment to shine.
- 一期一会 (Ichi-go ichi-e) — Treasure each encounter as unique and irreplaceable in life.
- 四面楚歌 (Shimensoka) — Being surrounded by enemies with no hope of escape or support.