Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of devarim there wanteth not sin, 1 but he that restraineth his sfatayim (lips) is maskil (wise). 1
Orthodox Jewish 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
18He that hideth sin'ah with sfatayim sheker, 1 and he that uttereth a slander, is a kesil (fool). 1
20The lashon of the tzaddik is as choice kesef; 1 the lev of the resha'im is of little worth. 1
Cross References
Job 11:2Should not the multitude of devarim be answered? 1 And should an ish full of talk yitzdak (be justified)? 1
Proverbs 11:12He that is devoid of lev + 11:12 of understanding despiseth his re'a, 1 but an ish tevunot holdeth his peace. 1
Proverbs 12:23A prudent man concealeth da'as, 1 but the lev kesilim (mind of fools) preaches folly. 1
Ecclesiastes 5:1Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine lev be hasty to utter any thing before HaElohim; for HaElohim is in Shomayim, and thou upon ha'aretz; therefore let thy devarim be few.
Ecclesiastes 10:13The beginning of the words of his mouth is sichlut; 1 and the end of his talk is holelot ra'ah. 1
James 3:2For all of us stumble variously. If anyone as far as lashon hora is concerned, does not stumble, this one is an ish tamim able to bridle also the entire guf (body). + 3:2 1Kgs 8:46; Ps 39:1; Prov 10:19
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 →