Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
Berean Standard Bible
In The King James Version
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
In Context
18The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.
Cross References
Job 11:2“Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated?
Proverbs 11:12Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.
Proverbs 12:23A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.
Ecclesiastes 5:1Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
Ecclesiastes 10:13The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
James 3:2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 10:19
The Proper of the Use of the Tongue. 18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. Observe here, Malice is folly and wickedness. 1. It is so when it is concealed by flattery and dissimulation: He is a fool, though he may think himself a politician, that hides hatred with lying lips, lest, if it break out, he should be ashamed before men and should lose the opportunity of gratifying his malice. Lying lips are bad enough of themselves, but have a peculiar malignity in them when… Read the whole commentary →