John Trapp on Nehemiah 2:16

Verſe 16. And the Rulers knew not whither I went] Taciturnity, in ſome caſes, is a vertue: and every thing is beautifull in its ſeaſon. There is a time to keep ſilence, and a time to ſpeak, Eccleſ. 3.7. And he is a truly wiſe man, that can diſcern his ſeaſon for both. Diſcamiu priùs non loqui, ſaith Hierome, Let us firſt learn not to ſpeak, that we may afterwards open our mouths and minds with diſcretion. Silence is by Solomon firſt ſet before ſpeaking; and firſt takes its time and turn, as it did here in Nehemiah the prudent. See the Note on ver. 12. The word here rendred Rulers is rather Chaldee, then Hebrew.

Nor to the Nobles] Heb. White ones. Among the Jewes great men affected to go in white; as among the Romans in purple or ſcarlet. Hence Pilates Souldiers clad Chriſt in purple: Herods in white, Luk. 23.11. Mat. 27.28.

Nor to the reſt, &c.] So, as to ask their adviſe.