Amplified Bible
Proverbs 10:19
19When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, But he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise.
Proverbs 10:19 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
- New International Version (NIV)Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.
- English Standard Version (ESV)When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
- New King James Version (NKJV)In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Context of Proverbs 10:19
17He who learns from instruction and correction is on the [right] path of life [and for others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing], But he who ignores and refuses correction goes off course [and for others his example is a path toward sin and ruin]. 18He who hides hatred has lying lips, And he who spreads slander is a fool. When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, But he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise. 20The tongue of the righteous is like precious silver (greatly valued); The heart of the wicked is worth little. 21The lips of the righteous feed and guide many, But fools [who reject God and His wisdom] die for lack of understanding.
Read all of Proverbs 10Proverbs 10:19 word by word
בְּרֹ֣ב דְּ֭בָרִים לֹ֣א יֶחְדַּל־פָּ֑שַׁע וְחֹשֵׂ֖ךְ שְׂפָתָ֣יו מַשְׂכִּֽיל׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 10:19
- Ecclesiastes 5:3For the dream comes through much effort, and the voice of the fool through many words.
- Ecclesiastes 10:13the beginning of his talking is foolishness and the end of his talk is wicked madness.
- James 3:2For we all stumble and sin in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says [never saying the wrong thing], he is a perfect man [fully developed in character, without serious flaws], able to bridle his whole body and rein in his entire nature [taming his human faults and weaknesses].
- Proverbs 17:27He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words, And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper).
- Psalms 39:1I said, “I will guard my ways That I may not sin with my tongue; I will muzzle my mouth While the wicked are in my presence.”
- James 1:19Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving];
Commentaries on Proverbs 10:19
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 19In the multitude of words - It is impossible to speak much, and yet speak nothing but truth; and injure no man's character in the mean while.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 19There wanteth not sin - Some render this, “Sin shall not cease,” etc., i. e., many words do not mend a fault. Silence on the part both of the reprover and the offender is often better. The King James Version is, however, preferable.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 19Verse 19 Those that speak much, speak much amiss. He that checks himself is a wise man, and therein consults his own peace.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 19People who talk too much often reveal their lack of knowledge and cause problems for themselves (see also Proverbs 10:17; 13:3; 17:28).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1919. Much speech involves risk of sin; hence the wisdom of restraining the tongue (Psa 39:1; Jas 1:26).Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 10:19
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 10
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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