Proverbs 21:23

23 Whoever guards his mouth and his 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 mercy will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise man attacks a city of warriors and pulls down the strong defenses in which they trust.
23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
24 An arrogant, conceited person is called a mocker. His arrogance knows no limits.
25 The desire of a lazy person will kill him because his hands refuse to work.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.