Proverbs 10:19
Sin shall not fail in much speaking; but he that measureth his lips, is most prudent. (Sin shall abound with much speaking; but he who ruleth his lips, is most prudent.)
Wycliffe Modern Spelling
In The King James Version
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
In Context
18False lips hide hatred; he that bringeth forth despising is unwise.
Cross References
Job 11:2Whether he, that speaketh many things, shall not also hear? either a man full of words shall be made just? (Shall he, who saith many things, not also listen? or is a man so full of words always right, or correct?)
Proverbs 11:12He that despiseth his friend, is needy in heart; but a prudent man shall be still. (He who despiseth his friend is foolish; but a man of understanding shall be silent.)
Proverbs 12:23A fell man covereth knowing; and the heart of unwise men stirreth folly. (A clever person concealeth his knowledge; but the unwise tell out their foolishness.)
Ecclesiastes 5:1Thou that enterest into the house of God, keep thy foot, and nigh thou for to hear; for why much better is obedience, than the sacrifice of fools, that know not what evil they do. (Thou who enterest into the House of God, keep thy foot, and draw close to hear; for obedience is much better than the sacrifice of fools, who know not what evil they do.)
Ecclesiastes 10:13The beginning of his words is folly; and the last thing of his mouth is the worst error. (His words begin with foolishness; and the last thing out of his mouth is the worst error of all.)
James 3:2For all we offend in many things. If any man offendeth not in word, this is a perfect man, (or If some man offendeth not by speaking unkindly, or harshly, then he is a perfect man); for also he may lead about all the body with a bridle.
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 →