This wise saying is a good one for mouthy guys like me. Even a “fool” appears to be “wise” if he just “holds his tongue.” How often I have admired those who just quietly go through their day without announcing everything they know!
I have met folks who just weren’t that smart, but they didn’t say all the stupid stuff the rest of us did and they appeared to have some real wisdom. On the other hand, there are thoughtful, sincere, well-meaning people who do have something good to say, but don’t get heard because they come off as babbling fools.
So it’s not as much about content as it is about presentation. God bless the people who can just stay quiet. They do appear to be wise. God help us guys who just can’t shut up and need to do better.
This ancient proverb reminds me of a modern one – “it is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!”