English Standard Version
Proverbs 10:19
19When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
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.
- New King James Version (NKJV)In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
- New Living Translation (NLT)Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
Context of Proverbs 10:19
17Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray. 18The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. 20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. 21The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
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 a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words.
- Ecclesiastes 10:13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is evil madness.
- James 3:2For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
- Proverbs 17:27Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
- Psalms 39:1I said, "I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence."
- James 1:19Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
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
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries