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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comKeil and Delitzsch Commentary - Proverbs 17:27 - 17:27
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27 He that keepeth his words to himself hath knowledge,
And the cool of temper is a man of understanding.
The first line here is a variation of Pro 10:19. The phrase יָדַע דַּעַת (here and at Dan 1:4) means to possess knowledge (novisse); more frequently it is בִּינָה יָדַע, e.g., Pro 4:1, where ידע has the inchoative sense of noscere. In 27b the Kerı̂ is יְקַר־רוח. Jerome translates it pretiosi spiritus, the Venet. τίμιος τὸ πνεῦμα. Rashi glosses יקר here, as at 1Sa 3:1, by מנוע (thus to be read after codd.), retentus spiritu; most interpreters remark that the spirit here comes into view as expressing itself in words. It is scarcely correct to say that יְקַר דְּבָרִים could designate one who is sparing in his words, but יְקַר־רוּחַ is, according to the fundamental conception of the verb יָקַר, gravis spiritu (Schultens), of a dignified, composed spirit; it is a quiet seriousness proceeding from high conscientiousness, and maintaining itself in self-control, which is designated by this word. But the Chethı̂b וְקַר־רוּחַ presents almost the same description of character. קַר from קָרַר (of the same root as יקר) means to be firm, unmoveable, καρτερὸν εἶναι, hence to be congealed, frozen, cold (cf. frigus with rigere, rigor), figuratively to be cold-blooded, passionless, quiet, composed (Fl.); cf. post-bibl. קֹרַת רוּחַ (Arab. ḳurrat‛ain), cooling = refreshing, ἀνάψυξις (Act 3:20).
(Note: “He has made my eye glowing” (askhn, cf. שׁחין) is in Arab. equivalent to “he has deeply troubled me.” The eye of the benevolent is bârid, and in the Semitic manner of expression, with deep psychological significance, it is said that the tears of sorrow are hot, but those of joy cold.)
Whether we read יקר or קר, in any case we are not to translate rarus spiritu, which, apart from the impossibility of the expression, makes 27b almost a tautological repetition of the thought of 27a. The first line recommends bridling of the tongue, in contrast to inconsiderate and untimely talk; the second line recommends coldness, i.e., equanimity of spirit, in contrast to passionate heat.