Proverbes 21:23

23 Celui qui garde sa bouche et sa langue, garde son âme de détresse.

Proverbes 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.

Proverbes 21:23 In-Context

21 Celui qui recherche la justice et la miséricorde, trouvera la vie, la justice et la gloire.
22 Le sage entre dans la ville des hommes forts, et il abat la force qui en était la confiance.
23 Celui qui garde sa bouche et sa langue, garde son âme de détresse.
24 On appelle moqueur un superbe arrogant, qui agit avec colère et fierté.
25 Le souhait du paresseux le tue, parce que ses mains refusent de travailler.
The Ostervald translation is in the public domain.