Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. New Living Translation Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. English Standard Version Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Berean Standard Bible He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. King James Bible He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. New King James Version He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. New American Standard Bible One who guards his mouth protects his life; One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. NASB 1995 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. NASB 1977 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Legacy Standard Bible The one who guards his mouth keeps his soul; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Amplified Bible The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life; The one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin. Christian Standard Bible The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. Holman Christian Standard Bible The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. American Standard Version He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life; But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. Contemporary English Version Keep what you know to yourself, and you will be safe; talk too much, and you are done for. English Revised Version He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. GOD'S WORD® Translation Whoever controls his mouth protects his own life. Whoever has a big mouth comes to ruin. Good News Translation Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself. International Standard Version Anyone who guards his words protects his life; anyone who talks too much is ruined. NET Bible The one who guards his words guards his life, but whoever is talkative will come to ruin. New Heart English Bible He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Webster's Bible Translation He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. World English Bible He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhoever is keeping his mouth, is keeping his soul, "" Whoever is opening wide his lips—ruin to him! Young's Literal Translation Whoso is keeping his mouth, is keeping his soul, Whoso is opening wide his lips -- ruin to him! Smith's Literal Translation He guarding his mouth, watched his soul: he opening wide his lips, destruction to him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his soul: but he that hath no guard on his speech shall meet with evils. Catholic Public Domain Version Whoever guards his mouth guards his soul. But whoever gives no consideration to his speech shall experience misfortunes. New American Bible Those who guard their mouths preserve themselves; those who open wide their lips bring ruin. New Revised Standard Version Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives; those who open wide their lips come to ruin. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe who guards his mouth keeps his life; he who speaks too much shall bring ruin upon himself. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He that keeps his mouth takes care of his soul, and he that opens his lips works shipwreck to his soul. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life; But for him that openeth wide his lips there shall be ruin. Brenton Septuagint Translation He that keeps his own mouth keeps his own life: but he that is hasty with his lips shall bring terror upon himself. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Father's Discipline…2From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence. 3He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. 4The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.… Cross References James 3:2-10 We 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. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. / Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ... Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. Proverbs 18:21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 17:27-28 A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Treasury of Scripture He that keeps his mouth keeps his life: but he that opens wide his lips shall have destruction. 0:19 Proverbs 12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Psalm 39:1 To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. Jump to Previous Destruction Guardeth Guards Keepeth Keeping Keeps Lips Mouth Openeth Opens Preserves Rashly Ruin Soul Speaks Watch WideJump to Next Destruction Guardeth Guards Keepeth Keeping Keeps Lips Mouth Openeth Opens Preserves Rashly Ruin Soul Speaks Watch WideProverbs 13 1. a scoffer does not listen to rebukeHe who guards his mouth protects his life This phrase emphasizes the importance of self-control and wisdom in speech. In biblical context, the mouth often symbolizes one's words and the power they hold. Proverbs frequently highlights the significance of wise speech (Proverbs 10:19, 21:23). The idea of "guarding" suggests vigilance and intentionality, akin to a watchman protecting a city. In ancient Israel, cities were fortified with walls and gates, and guards were crucial for protection. Similarly, guarding one's words can prevent personal and relational harm. The concept of life here extends beyond physical existence to include spiritual and emotional well-being, aligning with the biblical principle that words can bring life or death (Proverbs 18:21). but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. 2. Israel - The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, providing guidance for living a life pleasing to God. 3. The Wise and the Foolish - Throughout Proverbs, these two archetypes are used to contrast those who live according to God's wisdom and those who do not. Teaching Points Guarding Speech as a Form of WisdomThe Hebrew word for "guards" (shamar) implies careful watching and protecting. Just as a guard watches over a city, we must vigilantly watch over our words. The Consequences of Uncontrolled Speech The phrase "invites his own ruin" suggests that reckless words can lead to personal destruction. This highlights the importance of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Speech Reflects the Heart Our words are a reflection of our inner character. By guarding our speech, we demonstrate a heart aligned with God's wisdom. Practical Steps to Guarding Our Mouths Engage in regular self-reflection and prayer, asking God to help you control your tongue. Practice active listening, ensuring you understand before responding. Memorize and meditate on scriptures that emphasize the importance of wise speech. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 13Does wise speech foster well-being? Does wise speech foster well-being? Is gambling considered sinful? Psalm 141:3 – What scientific or psychological basis supports the metaphor of God acting as a literal guard over someone’s speech? (3) He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life.--Comp. above, on Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 12:13.Verse 3. - He that keepeth (guardeth) his mouth keepeth his life (Proverbs 18:21; Proverbs 21:23; comp. Psalm 39:1; James 1:26). Thus the gnome - Ἡ γλῶσσα πολλοὺς εἰς ὄλεθρον ἤγαγεν. "The tongue hath many to destruction led." And Ecclus. 28:25, "Weigh thy words in a balance, and make a door and bar for thy mouth. Beware thou slide not by it, lest thou fall before him that lieth in wait." But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction (Proverbs 10:14). The Vulgate paraphrases, "He who is inconsiderate in speech shall experience evils;" Septuagint, "will terrify himself" - will occasion to himself many terrible alarms and inflictions. Hence the psalmist prays, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my month; keep the door of my lips." So we have in the Danish, "A silent man's words are not brought into court;" and in the Spanish, "Let not the tongue say what the head shall pay for;" while the Italians tell us, "The sheep that bleats is strangled by the wolf:" and "Silence was never written down" (Kelly). (See on Proverbs 18:6; 20:19.) Hebrew He who guardsנֹצֵ֣ר (nō·ṣêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5341: To watch, guard, keep his mouth פִּ֭יו (pîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to protects שֹׁמֵ֣ר (šō·mêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to his life, נַפְשׁ֑וֹ (nap̄·šōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion [but] the one who opens פֹּשֵׂ֥ק (pō·śêq) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6589: To dispart, become licentious his lips שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו (p̄ā·ṯāw) Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin invites his own ruin. מְחִתָּה־ (mə·ḥit·tāh-) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4288: A dissolution, a ruin, consternation Links Proverbs 13:3 NIVProverbs 13:3 NLT Proverbs 13:3 ESV Proverbs 13:3 NASB Proverbs 13:3 KJV Proverbs 13:3 BibleApps.com Proverbs 13:3 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 13:3 Chinese Bible Proverbs 13:3 French Bible Proverbs 13:3 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth guards his (Prov. 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