Proverbs 21:23
Proverbs 21:23 in Multiple Translations
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.
He who keeps watch over his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
If you watch what you say, you can save yourself a lot of trouble.
He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soule from afflictions.
Whoso is keeping his mouth and his tongue, Is keeping from adversities his soul.
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
Whoever keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from distress.
Those who are very careful about what they say [MTY] are able to avoid trouble.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 21:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
פִּ֭י/ו
וּ/לְשׁוֹנ֑/וֹ
שֹׁמֵ֖ר
מִ/צָּר֣וֹת
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
פִּ֭י/ו
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
וּ/לְשׁוֹנ֑/וֹ
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Conj | N-cs | Suff
שֹׁמֵ֖ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
מִ/צָּר֣וֹת
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
Prep | N-fp
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 21:23
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
פִּ֭י/ו
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
וּ/לְשׁוֹנ֑/וֹ
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
שֹׁמֵ֖ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
מִ/צָּר֣וֹת
tsârâh
H6869
"dearth"
Prep | N-fp
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:23
Context — The King’s Heart
21He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.
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. 25The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 13:3 | He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:21 | Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. |
| 3 | James 1:26 | If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Proverbs 12:13 | An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble. |
| 6 | Proverbs 10:19 | When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. |
| 7 | James 3:2–13 | 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. In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. |
Proverbs 21:23 Summary
[Proverbs 21:23 reminds us that the words we speak have power and can either bring life or distress to ourselves and others. By being mindful of our words and choosing to speak kindly and wisely, we can avoid conflict and hurt feelings, and instead experience peace and harmony. This is similar to what we see in Ephesians 4:29, which encourages us to speak only what is helpful for building others up. As we strive to guard our mouth and tongue, we can trust that God will help us to speak words that are pleasing to Him and beneficial to those around us, as seen in Psalm 19:14.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to guard our mouth and tongue in Proverbs 21:23?
Guarding our mouth and tongue means being mindful of the words we speak and avoiding hurtful or reckless language, as seen in Proverbs 12:18 and Ephesians 4:29, which reminds us to speak only what is helpful for building others up.
How does guarding our mouth and tongue keep our soul from distress?
When we speak carelessly or hurtfully, it can lead to conflict, damaged relationships, and emotional pain, but by guarding our words, we can avoid these negative consequences and instead experience peace and harmony, as promised in Proverbs 15:1 and Matthew 5:9.
Is it really possible to control our words and tongues?
While it can be challenging, the Bible encourages us to strive for self-control and wisdom in our speech, as seen in Proverbs 21:23 and James 1:26, which reminds us that controlling our tongue is a key aspect of living a godly life.
What are some practical ways to apply Proverbs 21:23 in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by taking time to think before speaking, choosing words that are kind and edifying, and seeking to listen more than we speak, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:32 and James 1:19-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I struggle to guard my mouth and tongue, and how can I seek God's help in those moments?
- How do I think my relationships with others would change if I made a conscious effort to speak more carefully and kindly?
- What are some specific words or phrases that I tend to use which might be hurtful or unhelpful to others, and how can I replace them with more constructive language?
- In what ways do I think guarding my mouth and tongue could bring more peace and harmony into my life, and how can I prioritize this in my daily interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:23
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue,.... Guards the one and bridles the other; is careful of what he says, that it is truth, and without dissimulation and guile; and is not injurious to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:23
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Whoso keepeth his mouth - as the, well-guarded gates of the city. The "mouth" is the gate; the "soul," the city (Proverbs 12:13; Proverbs 13:2-3; James 3:2).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:23
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue from offensive and provoking speeches, keepeth his soul, his person, from troubles; which a licentious and abusive tongue frequently brings upon a man.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:23
Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.Ver. 23. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue.] As he that keepeth his doors fast locked, preserveth himself from danger; The large and loose use of the tongue brings a man oft to divers straits and miseries.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:23
(23) Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, &c—See above on Proverbs 12:13.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:23
23. Keepeth his mouth — Guards well his words. True! true! Comp. Proverbs 12:13; Proverbs 13:3; Proverbs 18:6; Proverbs 18:21.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Husbands Love Your Wifes! by Keith Daniel | Keith Daniel emphasizes the biblical command for husbands to love their wives, drawing from Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:25. He highlights the importance of 'cleaving' to one's spo |
|
|
The Foremost Proof of Holiness by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his early days of preaching with great zeal but little wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of having both wisdom and fire in one's faith. |
|
A Warning to Would-Be Teachers by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability for those who teach the word of God. He explains that teachers will not only be judged for the content of th |
|
(The Tongue of a Disciple) the Satan Controlled Tongue by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wise and thoughtful speech when delivering God's word. He compares preparing a message to preparing a meal for a special gu |
|
Poison From the Tongue by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being cautious about the content we consume, particularly videos. He warns against allowing negative influences into our l |
|
Taming the Untamable Tongue by Shane Idleman | This sermon focuses on the importance of taming the tongue, highlighting the power of words to bring life or destruction, the need for self-discipline and maturity in controlling s |
|
Step 11 on Talkativeness and Silence. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus emphasizes the dangers of judgment, the importance of deliberate silence, and the virtues of controlling one's tongue and embracing silence to draw near to God. H |