New Revised Standard Version
the nobles refrained from talking, and laid their hands on their mouths;

Contemporary English Version
while the older ones stood

New American Bible
Officials refrained from speaking and covered their mouths with their hands;

Douay-Rheims Bible
The princes ceased to speak, and laid the finger on their mouth.

The princes ceased to speak, and laid the finger on their mouth.

refrained

Job 4:2 If we begin to speak to thee, perhaps thou wilt take it ill; but who can withhold the words he hath conceived?

Job 7:11 Wherefore, I will not spare my mouth, I will speak in the affliction of my spirit: I will talk with the bitterness of my soul.

Proverbs 10:19 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: but the heart of the wicked is nothing worth.

James 1:19 You know, my dearest brethren. And let every man be swift to hear, but slow to speak and slow to anger.

laid

Job 21:5 Hearken to me and be astonished, and lay your finger on your mouth.

Job 40:4 What can I answer, who hath spoken inconsiderately? I will lay my hand upon my mouth.

Judges 18:19 And they said to him: Hold thy peace, and put thy finger on thy mouth, and come with us, that we may have thee for a father, and a priest. Whether is better for thee, to be a priest in the house of one man, or in a tribe and family in Israel?

Proverbs 30:32 There is that hath appeared a fool after he was lifted up on high: for if he had understood, he would have laid his hand upon his mouth.