Proverbs 10:19
New International Version
Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.

New Living Translation
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

English Standard Version
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Berean Standard Bible
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

King James Bible
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

New King James Version
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

New American Standard Bible
When there are many words, wrongdoing is unavoidable, But one who restrains his lips is wise.

NASB 1995
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

NASB 1977
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Legacy Standard Bible
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who holds back his lips has insight.

Amplified Bible
When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, But he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise.

Christian Standard Bible
When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is prudent.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise.

American Standard Version
In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely.

Contemporary English Version
You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much--so be sensible and watch what you say.

English Revised Version
In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression: but he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Sin is unavoidable when there is much talk, but whoever seals his lips is wise.

Good News Translation
The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise, you will keep quiet.

International Standard Version
Transgression is at work where people talk too much, but anyone who holds his tongue is prudent.

Majority Standard Bible
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

NET Bible
When words abound, transgression is inevitable, but the one who restrains his words is wise.

New Heart English Bible
In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.

Webster's Bible Translation
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that restraineth his lips is wise.

World English Bible
In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
In the abundance of words transgression does not cease, "" And whoever is restraining his lips [is] wise.

Young's Literal Translation
In the abundance of words transgression ceaseth not, And whoso is restraining his lips is wise.

Smith's Literal Translation
In the multitude of words transgression shall not cease: and he withholding his lips is prudent.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In the multitude of words there shall not want sin: but he that refraineth his lips is most wise.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In a multitude of speaking, sin will not be lacking. But whoever tempers his lips is most prudent.

New American Bible
Where words are many, sin is not wanting; but those who restrain their lips do well.

New Revised Standard Version
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but the prudent are restrained in speech.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The wicked cannot be delivered by a multitude of words; but he who refrains his lips is wise.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In the multitude of words the evil one is not saved and he who restrains his lips is intelligent.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
By a multitude of words thou shalt not escape sin; but if thou refrain thy lips thou wilt be prudent.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son
18The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. 19When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. 20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.…

Cross References
James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

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.

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.”

Ecclesiastes 5:2
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.

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.

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

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

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

Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.

Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.

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

Matthew 15:18-19
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. / For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.

Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

In the multitude of words there wants not sin: but he that refrains his lips is wise.

the multitude

Ecclesiastes 5:3
For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.

Ecclesiastes 10:13,14
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness…

James 3:2
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

but

Proverbs 17:27,28
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit…

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.

James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

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Absent Abundance Ceaseth Disobedience End Holds Keeps Lack Mouth Multitude Prudent Refraineth Restraineth Restrains Sin Talk Tongue Transgression Wanteth Wise Wisely Words
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Absent Abundance Ceaseth Disobedience End Holds Keeps Lack Mouth Multitude Prudent Refraineth Restraineth Restrains Sin Talk Tongue Transgression Wanteth Wise Wisely Words
Proverbs 10
1. Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices














When words are many,
This phrase highlights the potential danger of excessive speech. In biblical times, as today, the spoken word held significant power. Proverbs often contrasts the wise and the foolish, and here, verbosity is linked to folly. The culture of ancient Israel valued wisdom and discernment, often conveyed through concise and thoughtful speech. The emphasis on the quantity of words reflects a broader biblical theme found in Ecclesiastes 5:2, which advises against hasty speech before God.

sin is unavoidable,
The inevitability of sin with excessive talking underscores the human tendency to err, especially when not exercising self-control. James 3:2-12 elaborates on the power of the tongue, describing it as a small part of the body that can cause great harm. The historical context of Proverbs, a book of wisdom literature, often addresses the moral and ethical conduct expected of God's people. The idea that sin is unavoidable with many words serves as a warning to guard one's speech, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of the fallibility of human nature.

but he who restrains his lips
Restraint in speech is portrayed as a virtue. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, where honor and shame were significant societal values, controlling one's words was a sign of wisdom and maturity. This restraint is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to be "quick to listen, slow to speak" (James 1:19). The ability to hold one's tongue is seen as a mark of self-discipline and spiritual maturity, reflecting the character of those who seek to live righteously.

is wise.
Wisdom, a central theme in Proverbs, is often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). The wise person, in this context, is one who understands the power of words and exercises discretion. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but deeply practical, influencing daily behavior and relationships. The restraint in speech is a reflection of inner wisdom, aligning with the character of Jesus Christ, who exemplified perfect wisdom and self-control in His interactions, often choosing silence over unnecessary words (Isaiah 53:7).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs offer practical guidance for living a life that honors God.

2. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written. The Israelites valued wisdom and saw it as a gift from God, essential for righteous living.

3. Wisdom Literature
Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes books like Job and Ecclesiastes. These writings focus on practical and philosophical aspects of life.
Teaching Points
The Power of Words
Words have the power to build up or tear down. Recognizing this power should lead us to be cautious and intentional with our speech.

The Danger of Excessive Talking
The more we speak, the greater the risk of saying something sinful or harmful. Practicing restraint can prevent unnecessary conflict and sin.

Wisdom in Silence
Sometimes, the wisest course of action is to remain silent. Silence can be a form of strength and wisdom, allowing us to listen and understand better.

Self-Control and Speech
Controlling our tongue is a sign of maturity and self-discipline. It reflects a heart that seeks to honor God in all things.

Seeking God's Help
We should pray for God's guidance to help us control our speech, asking for wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent.(19) In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, for they are sure to fail in truthfulness, or charity, or opportuneness, and will come under the condemnation of Matthew 12:36, as being the outcome of a careless heart.

Verse 19. - There wanteth not sin; LXX., "Thou wilt not avoid sin." Loquacity leads to exaggeration and untruthfulness, slander and uncharitableness (comp. Ecclesiastes 5:1-3; and Christ's and James's solemn warnings, Matthew 12:36; James 1:26; James 3:2, etc.). "Speak little," says Pinart ('Meditations,' ch. 6.), "because for one sin which we may commit by keeping silence where it would be well to speak, we commit a hundred by speaking upon all occasions" (see on Proverbs 17:27), Another rendering of the passage gives "By multitude of words sin does not vanish away;" i.e. you cannot mend a fault by much talking. But this weakens the contrast, and the Authorized Version is correct. Is wise. St. James calls the reticent "a perfect man" (comp. Proverbs 13:3). "This sentence of Scripture," says St. Augustine, in his 'Retractations,' "I greatly fear, because my numerous treatises, I know well, contain many things, if not false, at any rate idle and unnecessary."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When words
דְּ֭בָרִים (də·ḇā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

are many,
בְּרֹ֣ב (bə·rōḇ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7230: Multitude, abundance, greatness

sin
פָּ֑שַׁע (pā·ša‘)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6588: Transgression

is unavoidable,
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

but he who restrains
וְחֹשֵׂ֖ךְ (wə·ḥō·śêḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2820: To restrain, refrain, to refuse, spare, preserve, to observe

his lips
שְׂפָתָ֣יו (śə·p̄ā·ṯāw)
Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin

is wise.
מַשְׂכִּֽיל׃ (maś·kîl)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7919: To be, circumspect, intelligent


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 10:18
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