Proverbs 21:23

23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

Proverbs 21:23 in Other Translations

KJV
23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
ESV
23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
NLT
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
MSG
23 Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
CSB
23 The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 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.

Proverbs 21:23 In-Context

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.
24 The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name— behaves with insolent fury.
25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Psalms 34:13; James 3:2
  • 2. S Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 12:13; S Proverbs 13:3
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