Proverbs 17:27

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.