Proverbs 21:23
New International Version
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

New Living Translation
Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

English Standard Version
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Berean Standard Bible
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

King James Bible
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

New King James Version
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.

New American Standard Bible
One who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

NASB 1995
He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

NASB 1977
He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

Legacy Standard Bible
He who keeps his mouth and his tongue, Keeps his soul from troubles.

Amplified Bible
He who guards his mouth and his tongue Guards himself from troubles.

Christian Standard Bible
The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

American Standard Version
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.

Contemporary English Version
Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble.

English Revised Version
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Good News Translation
If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say.

International Standard Version
Whoever watches his mouth and tongue keeps himself from trouble.

Majority Standard Bible
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

NET Bible
The one who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his life from troubles.

New Heart English Bible
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

Webster's Bible Translation
Whoever keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

World English Bible
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Whoever is keeping his mouth and his tongue, "" Is keeping his soul from adversities.

Young's Literal Translation
Whoso is keeping his mouth and his tongue, Is keeping from adversities his soul.

Smith's Literal Translation
He watching his mouth and his tongue watches his soul from straits.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from distress.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from anguish.

New American Bible
Those who guard mouth and tongue guard themselves from trouble.

New Revised Standard Version
To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from trouble.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He that keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from trouble.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He that keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from trouble.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The King's Heart
22A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. 23He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. 24Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man—of him who acts with excessive pride.…

Cross References
James 3:2
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.

James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

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.”

Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.

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.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

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 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Matthew 15:11
A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”

Proverbs 12:13
An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Ecclesiastes 5:2-3
Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few. / As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Proverbs 12:13
The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

Proverbs 13:3
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Jump to Previous
Adversities Calamity Guards Keepeth Keeping Keeps Mouth Soul Tongue Trouble Troubles Watch
Jump to Next
Adversities Calamity Guards Keepeth Keeping Keeps Mouth Soul Tongue Trouble Troubles Watch
Proverbs 21
1. The king's heart in the hand of the Lord














He who guards
The phrase "He who guards" suggests an active, intentional effort to protect or watch over something valuable. In the Hebrew context, the word "guards" (שׁוֹמֵר, shomer) implies a vigilant, careful watch, akin to a watchman on a city wall. This vigilance is not passive but requires constant attention and discernment. In a spiritual sense, it calls believers to be mindful of their words, understanding that speech can either build up or tear down. The act of guarding is a proactive measure, emphasizing the importance of self-control and wisdom in communication.

his mouth and tongue
The "mouth and tongue" are instruments of speech, and in the Hebrew tradition, they are often seen as powerful tools that can either bless or curse. The mouth (פֶּה, peh) and tongue (לָשׁוֹן, lashon) are frequently mentioned in Proverbs as sources of both wisdom and folly. Historically, the spoken word held immense power in ancient cultures, often seen as binding and irrevocable. This phrase underscores the dual nature of speech: it can be a source of life and encouragement or a weapon of destruction. The wise person understands the weight of their words and chooses them carefully, reflecting the heart's condition.

keeps his soul
The word "keeps" (נֹצֵר, notser) conveys the idea of preserving or maintaining something in its intended state. The "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh) in Hebrew thought encompasses the whole being, including one's life, emotions, and spiritual essence. By guarding one's speech, a person protects their inner self from harm. This protection is not merely physical but extends to emotional and spiritual well-being. The soul is seen as the seat of life, and its preservation is of utmost importance. The verse suggests that careful speech is integral to maintaining one's integrity and peace.

from distress
"Distress" (צָרָה, tsarah) refers to trouble, adversity, or anguish. In the biblical context, distress often results from external pressures or internal turmoil. The verse implies that unguarded speech can lead to situations that cause such distress, whether through damaged relationships, misunderstandings, or personal guilt. By controlling one's words, a person can avoid unnecessary conflict and the resultant emotional or spiritual turmoil. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical principle that wisdom and self-control lead to peace and stability, both internally and in one's community.

(23) Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, &c--See above on Proverbs 12:13.

Verse 23. - We have had similar maxims before (Proverbs 13:8 and Proverbs 18:21, where see notes). He keepeth his mouth, who knows when to speak and when to be silent; and he keepeth his tongue, who says only what is to the purpose. We have all heard the proverb, "Speech is silver, silence is gold." One who thus takes heed of his words, keepeth his soul from troubles. The troubles (angores, Vulgate) are such as these - remorse for the evil occasioned, distress of conscience, vexation and strife with offended neighbours, danger of liberty and life, and, above all, the anger of God, and retribution in the judgment.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He who guards
שֹׁמֵ֣ר (šō·mêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

his mouth
פִּ֭יו (pîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

and tongue
וּלְשׁוֹנ֑וֹ (ū·lə·šō·w·nōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3956: The tongue

keeps
שֹׁמֵ֖ר (šō·mêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

his soul
נַפְשֽׁוֹ׃ (nap̄·šōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

from distress.
מִצָּר֣וֹת (miṣ·ṣā·rō·wṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6869: Tightness, a female rival


Links
Proverbs 21:23 NIV
Proverbs 21:23 NLT
Proverbs 21:23 ESV
Proverbs 21:23 NASB
Proverbs 21:23 KJV

Proverbs 21:23 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 21:23 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 21:23 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 21:23 French Bible
Proverbs 21:23 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 21:22
Top of Page
Top of Page