Mishle 21:23

23 He who is shomer over his peh (mouth) and his lashon (tongue) is shomer over his nefesh from tzoros.

Mishle 21:23 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:23

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue
Guards the one and bridles the other; is careful of what he says, that it is truth, and without dissimulation and guile; and is not injurious to the characters of men, and is not offensive and provoking; who abstains from ill and wrathful language, and which tends to stir up wrath and contention. Aben Ezra distinguishes between the mouth and tongue, and interprets it, that keeps his mouth from eating, that is, immoderately and intemperately; and his tongue from speaking evil: but it is best to understand both of the same thing, of speech or language, which when a man is careful of, he keepeth his soul from troubles;
his conscience clear of guilt and distress, and his person from being concerned in quarrels, contentions, and lawsuits, which such who give their tongues too much liberty are involved in.

Mishle 21:23 In-Context

21 He that pursueth tzedakah and chesed findeth chayyim, tzedakah, and kavod.
22 A chacham scaleth the city of the gibborim (mighty ones), and casteth down the trusted stronghold thereof.
23 He who is shomer over his peh (mouth) and his lashon (tongue) is shomer over his nefesh from tzoros.
24 Proud and haughty scoffer is shmo, who acteth in superfluity of zadon (pride).
25 The ta’avah (desire, craving) of the atzel (sluggard, lazy one) killeth him, for his yadayim refuse to work.
The Orthodox Jewish Bible fourth edition, OJB. Copyright 2002,2003,2008,2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International. All rights reserved.