God’s Word Translation
Proverbs 10:19
19Sin is unavoidable when there is much talk, but whoever seals his lips 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
17Whoever practices discipline is on the way to life, but whoever ignores a warning strays. 18Whoever conceals hatred has lying lips. Whoever spreads slander is a fool. Sin is unavoidable when there is much talk, but whoever seals his lips is wise. 20The tongue of a righteous person is pure silver. The hearts of wicked people are worthless. 21The lips of a righteous person feed many, but stubborn fools die because they have no 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 5:3Daydreaming comes when there are too many worries. Careless speaking comes when there are too many words.
- Ecclesiastes 10:13A fool starts out by talking foolishness and ends up saying crazy things that are dangerous.
- James 3:2All of us make a lot of mistakes. If someone doesn’t make any mistakes when he speaks, he would be perfect. He would be able to control everything he does.
- Proverbs 17:27Whoever has knowledge controls his words, and a person who has understanding is even-tempered.
- Psalms 39:1I said, “I will watch my ways so that I do not sin with my tongue. I will bridle my mouth while wicked people are in my presence.”
- James 1:19Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily.
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
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
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