Proverbs 21:23 kjv

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 21:23 nkjv

Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 21:23 niv

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

Proverbs 21:23 esv

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 21:23 nlt

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

Proverbs 21 verses

Proverbs 21 23 Meaning

Proverbs 21:23 declares that careful vigilance over one's speech and utterances is vital for safeguarding one's life and avoiding distress. The verse emphasizes that wisdom manifests not merely in what one says, but significantly in what one chooses not to say, and how one controls the expression of their thoughts and emotions. Practicing restraint with the mouth and tongue protects an individual from a multitude of troubles and negative consequences, highlighting self-control as a cornerstone of prudence and well-being.

Proverbs 21 23 Context

Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature, primarily conveying practical divine wisdom for living a godly and prosperous life. This particular chapter, Proverbs 21, presents a collection of independent proverbs, each offering a distinct insight into various aspects of righteous conduct, divine sovereignty, justice, diligence, and the contrast between the wise and the wicked. Verse 23 is part of a larger theme within the book that emphasizes the immense power and impact of speech. The historical and cultural context for the original audience in ancient Israel would have recognized the societal implications of a person's words, as reputation, conflict, justice, and community harmony were often significantly influenced by what was spoken publicly or privately. There are no direct polemics in this specific verse, but the consistent emphasis on guarded, truthful, and edifying speech inherently critiques cultural practices where reckless gossip, slander, or hasty pronouncements might be common, valuing restraint and integrity as divinely favored virtues.

Proverbs 21 23 Word analysis

• Whoever keeps (שֹׁמֵר - shomer): This Hebrew word means to guard, observe, watch over, preserve, or keep watch. It implies an active, diligent, and careful vigilance, not a passive abstention. It signifies a continuous effort to control or preserve something valuable.
• his mouth (פִּי - pi): The word peh refers to the literal opening of the mouth, but also metaphorically to utterance, speech, or what comes out of a person. It denotes the source of verbal expression.
• and his tongue (לְשׁוֹנוֹ - leshonow): The Hebrew word lashon refers to the literal tongue, but broadly to speech, language, or what is articulated. Often, it refers to the manner and nature of communication, carrying implications of both good and evil expressions (e.g., deceitful tongue, lying tongue).
• keeps himself (שֹׁמֵר נַפְשׁוֹ - shomer nafshow): Nafsho refers to one's soul, life, self, or being. Here, shomer nafshow literally means to guard one's soul or life. It suggests preserving one's well-being, integrity, and future. This goes beyond mere physical safety, encompassing emotional, spiritual, and relational health.
• out of trouble (מִצָּרוֹת - mitzara'ot): Tsarot is the plural form of tsarah, meaning distress, trouble, adversity, affliction, anguish, or tribulation. The preposition min (מִן - mi) means "from" or "out of". Thus, the phrase means from (many) troubles or afflictions, emphasizing protection from a range of harmful situations and difficulties that can arise from unguarded speech.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue": This phrase highlights the dual nature of verbal restraint – the physical orifice (mouth) and the primary organ of speech (tongue). It denotes comprehensive control over all forms of verbal expression, whether impulsive remarks, malicious gossip, or even unnecessary chatter. The act of "keeping" is intentional and sustained.
• "keeps himself out of trouble": The immediate consequence of such vigilance is personal preservation and avoidance of distress. The wording "keeps himself" points to self-care and self-preservation that is directly linked to speech habits. "Out of trouble" suggests dodging not just minor inconveniences but significant predicaments, conflicts, legal issues, and ruined relationships that frequently stem from thoughtless or wicked words.

Proverbs 21 23 Bonus section

The Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, renders this verse in a slightly expanded manner, focusing on the wisdom and glory associated with guarding one's mouth, "He that guards his mouth and tongue, guards his soul from troubles." This interpretation emphasizes that the soul is rescued or saved, reinforcing the holistic preservation aspect of the original Hebrew nafsho. Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature often contrasted the disciplined life with the unrestrained one, particularly regarding speech. Egyptian wisdom texts, for instance, frequently advised silence and patience as virtues leading to prosperity and favor. This proverb aligns with that broader ancient wisdom tradition but roots it in divine principle for life in the fear of the Lord. The constant vigilance described by shomer aligns with a covenantal idea of keeping God's commands, implying that guarding one's speech is a form of obedience to wisdom personified.

Proverbs 21 23 Commentary

Proverbs 21:23 underscores a profound principle of wisdom: self-control in speech is fundamental to personal welfare and security. It presents the tongue not as an uncontrollable force but as something that can and must be guarded. The "mouth" and "tongue" together encompass all spoken words, implying discretion, silence when necessary, truthfulness, and kindness. The act of "keeping" is a deliberate, active, and continuous effort, reflecting a wise person's understanding of the destructive potential of words. Failing to bridle the tongue can lead to various troubles, including relational strife, damaged reputation, legal complications, and internal turmoil. Conversely, those who practice careful vigilance protect their very essence—their "soul" or "life"—from such adverse outcomes. The verse implies that the truly wise understand the weight of their words and cultivate a habit of thoughtful communication.For practical usage, this verse calls for mindfulness before speaking. Consider if words are necessary, true, kind, or helpful. It discourages gossip, rash promises, hasty criticism, and arguments rooted in pride, encouraging patience and restraint.