Mishle 10:19

19 In the multitude of devarim there wanteth not sin, but he that restraineth his sfatayim (lips) is maskil (wise).

Mishle 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.

Mishle 10:19 In-Context

17 He is in the orach (path) of Chayyim that is shomer over musar, but he that abandoneth tokhakhat (reproof) goes astray.

18 He that hideth sin’ah with sfatayim sheker, and he that uttereth a slander, is a kesil (fool).

19 In the multitude of devarim there wanteth not sin, but he that restraineth his sfatayim (lips) is maskil (wise).

20 The lashon of the tzaddik is as choice kesef; the lev of the resha’im is of little worth.

21 The sfatayim (lips) of the tzaddik feed rabbim (many), but fools die for lack of lev [of chochmah].