Proverbs 10:19

19 Sin shall not fail in much speaking; but he that measureth his lips, is most prudent. (Sin shall abound with much speaking; but he who ruleth his lips, is most prudent.)

Proverbs 10:19 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 10:19

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin
Where a great deal is said, without care and forethought, there will not only be many weak things uttered, but much falsehood, and at least many idle things, which cannot be excused from sin; not but that much and long speaking may be to great profit and advantage, when it is with care and judgment, and founded on close meditation and study. Or, "sin ceaseth not" F14; along with a torrent of words is a flow of sin, which ceases not as long as that continues: it is a saying of the Jewish Rabbins,

``he that multiplies words brings on or brings unto sin;''
but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise;
lays a restraint on his mouth, bridles his tongue; does not suffer his lips to utter anything rashly and inconsiderately; is sparing of his words and is careful of what he says, that it is true and proper to be spoken; and considers well the time when, place where, and persons to whom he speaks; and, all circumstances weighed, conducts accordingly: such a man is a wise, prudent, and understanding man; see ( Proverbs 17:27 Proverbs 17:28 ) .
FOOTNOTES:

F14 (ldxy al) "non cessabit", Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Michaelis; "non cessat", Piscator.

Proverbs 10:19 In-Context

17 The way of life is to him that keepeth chastising; but he that forsaketh blamings, erreth. (The way of life is for him who receiveth discipline; but he who forsaketh rebukes, erreth.)
18 False lips hide hatred; he that bringeth forth despising is unwise.
19 Sin shall not fail in much speaking; but he that measureth his lips, is most prudent. (Sin shall abound with much speaking; but he who ruleth his lips, is most prudent.)
20 Chosen silver is the tongue of a just man; the heart of wicked men is for nought. (Like chosen silver is the tongue of a righteous person; but the hearts of the wicked be worth nothing.)
21 The lips of a just man teach full many men; but they that be unlearned shall die in neediness of heart. (The lips of the righteous teach a great many people; but they who be ignorant, shall die without any understanding.)
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.