Proverbs 10:19-21

19 1When words are many, transgression is not lacking, 2but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is 3choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for 4lack of sense.

Proverbs 10:19-21 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 10

From this chapter to the "twenty fifth" are various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different temper, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. It should be observed, that frequently in the preceding chapters two persons are represented as women; one goes by the name of "Wisdom", the other is called the "foolish" woman and a "harlot"; the former is clearly to be understood of Christ; and the latter, being opposed to him, must be antichrist, the whore of Rome, and mother of harlots: now in the following part of this book two sorts of persons are spoken of; the one as wise, righteous, good and the other as foolish, wicked, &c. who are no other than the followers of Christ and antichrist; which observation is a key to the whole book.

Cross References 4

  • 1. [Matthew 12:36, 37]
  • 2. Proverbs 17:27; [James 3:2]
  • 3. Proverbs 8:19; Proverbs 16:16
  • 4. [Hosea 4:6]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.