These passages contain two Proverbs. The first Proverb says, “He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”
When a person reads the Word of God, they gain knowledge. Understanding what they have read comes when one truly believes in God and Jesus Christ. The Bible says that such a person also gains the Holy Spirit to teach them and guide them. With God’s Holy Spirit, a person gains self-control.
A person with God’s Holy Spirit within them is able to control their thoughts, words, and deeds. Such a person does not speak or act without considering the results of their words or deeds. Therefore, they measure or restrain their words and deeds. Furthermore, a person with such knowledge and understanding does not let anger control them. Such a person has a cool spirit. They are calm and controlled.
The second Proverb says, “Even a fool, when he keeps silent he is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.” The Bible defines a fool as a person who does not believe in God. A person who does not believe in God or Jesus Christ does not have the benefit of God’s Holy Spirit within them. Therefore, they do not have knowledge from God’s Word within them. They have no understanding of what is Truth and what is folly.
When a fool speaks, their foolishness becomes visible to others. These people are better off when they are silent and conceal their foolishness.
