Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 10:19 in Multiple Translations
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely.
Where there is much talk there will be no end to sin, but he who keeps his mouth shut does wisely.
If you talk too much, you'll say something wrong. Be wise and take care what you say.
In many wordes there cannot want iniquitie: but he that refrayneth his lippes, is wise.
In the abundance of words transgression ceaseth not, And whoso is restraining his lips [is] wise.
In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that restraineth his lips is wise.
In the multitude of words there shall not want sin: but he that refraineth his lips is most wise.
When people talk a lot, that will lead them to sin a lot by what they say; if you are wise, you will refuse to say very much.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:19
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 10:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/רֹ֣ב
דְּ֭בָרִים
לֹ֣א
יֶחְדַּל
פָּ֑שַׁע
וְ/חֹשֵׂ֖ךְ
שְׂפָתָ֣י/ו
מַשְׂכִּֽיל
בְּ/רֹ֣ב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | N-cs
דְּ֭בָרִים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֶחְדַּל
châdal
H2308
to cease
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
פָּ֑שַׁע
peshaʻ
H6588
transgression
N-ms
וְ/חֹשֵׂ֖ךְ
châsak
H2820
to withhold
Conj | V-Qal
שְׂפָתָ֣י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
מַשְׂכִּֽיל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
V-Hiphil
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:19
בְּ/רֹ֣ב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
דְּ֭בָרִים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֶחְדַּל
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
פָּ֑שַׁע
peshaʻ
H6588
"transgression"
N-ms
Transgression refers to a revolt or rebellion against God or others, resulting in guilt and punishment, as in Genesis 3:6-7. It involves intentional disobedience.
Definition: 1) transgression, rebellion 1a1) transgression (against individuals) 1a2) transgression (nation against nation) 1a3) transgression (against God) 1a3a) in general 1a3b) as recognised by sinner 1a3c) as God deals with it 1a3d) as God forgives 1a4) guilt of transgression 1a5) punishment for transgression 1a6) offering for transgression
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 29:6; Psalms 5:11.
וְ/חֹשֵׂ֖ךְ
châsak
H2820
"to withhold"
Conj | V-Qal
This verb means to withhold or restrain something. It can also mean to spare, preserve, or observe. In the Bible, it is used to describe holding back or keeping something for oneself.
Definition: 1) to withhold, restrain, hold back, keep in check, refrain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to withhold, keep back, keep for oneself, keep from, hold in check, refrain, spare, reserve 1a2) to restrain, check 1b) (Niphal) to assuage, be spared
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: assuage, [idiom] darken, forbear, hinder, hold back, keep (back), punish, refrain, reserve, spare, withhold. See also: Genesis 20:6; Job 33:18; Psalms 19:14.
שְׂפָתָ֣י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
מַשְׂכִּֽיל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
V-Hiphil
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:19
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:19
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:19
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:19
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
17Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who ignores reproof goes astray.
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. 21The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 1:19 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 10:13–14 | The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? |
| 5 | Psalms 39:1 | I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.” |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 5:3 | As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words. |
Proverbs 10:19 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we talk too much, we are more likely to say something wrong or hurtful, but when we are careful with our words, we show that we are wise. This is because our words have power, as seen in Proverbs 18:21, where it says that the tongue has the power of life and death. By being mindful of our words and speaking thoughtfully, we can build others up and bring joy, rather than tearing them down with our words. As it says in Ephesians 4:29, we should seek to speak words that are 'good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear'.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'sin is unavoidable' when words are many?
This means that when we speak excessively, we are more likely to say something sinful, such as gossip, lies, or hurtful words, as seen in Proverbs 10:18, where it says that spreading slander is foolish.
How can restraining our lips make us wise?
According to Proverbs 10:19, restraining our lips, or being careful with our words, is a sign of wisdom, as it helps us avoid sin and speak words that are edifying and beneficial, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29.
Is this verse saying that we should never speak?
No, this verse is not saying that we should never speak, but rather that we should be mindful of our words and speak thoughtfully, as seen in Proverbs 10:20-21, where the tongue of the righteous is described as 'choice silver' and their lips 'feed many'.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
You can apply this verse by being more mindful of your words, taking time to think before speaking, and seeking to speak words that are kind, truthful, and edifying, as encouraged in Colossians 4:6 and Proverbs 15:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations where I tend to speak too much, and how can I practice restraining my lips in those situations?
- How do my words affect those around me, and what kind of impact do I want to have with my speech?
- What are some things I can do to make sure my words are 'choice silver' and not hurtful or damaging to others?
- How can I balance the need to speak truth and wisdom with the need to restrain my lips and avoid sin?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin,.... Where a great deal is said, without care and forethought, there will not only be many weak things uttered, but much falsehood, and at least many
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:19
Men that love and commonly use much talking, do frequently run into many miscarriages, because such persons, for the most part, want wisdom to order their words aright, , and speak hastily, without care and consideration. That refraineth his lips; that forbeareth to utter what cometh into his mind, before he hath weighed whether it be true and fit to be spoken or not.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise.Ver. 19. In the multitude of words.] In multiloquio stultiloquium. Many words are hardly well managed. Non est eiusdera, saith one. It is seldom seen that a man of many words miscarries not. But he that refraineth his lips.] As Elihu did, and as Epaminondas is worthily praised by Plutarch for this, quod nemo plura noscet, et pauciora loqueretur; that no man knew more, and spake less than he did.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:19
(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 Mat 12:36, as being the outcome of a careless heart.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:19
Verse 19. In the multitude of words] It is impossible to speak much, and yet speak nothing but truth; and injure no man's character in the mean while.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:19
19. A Greek parallel has been cited from Stobζus: πολυλογίαπολλὰσφάλματαἔχει, and a Latin from Cato: Virtutem primam esse puta compescere linguam. Proximus ille Deo est qui scit ratione tacere.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:19
There wanteth not sin - Some render this, “Sin shall not cease,” etc., i. e., many words do not mend a fault. Silence on the part both of the reprover and the offender is often better.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:19
19. Wanteth not sin — Offence or trespass. Wise — A prudent or prosperous man. For a comment on this verse see Ecclesiastes 1:1-7; compare, also, Proverbs 13:3, 17, 27, 28; James 1:19; James 1:26; James 3:2; Psalms 39:1.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2006 Conference) 3.controlling Our Tongue by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech and the balance needed in various areas of our lives. It highlights the dangers of being imbalanced, focusing on sma |
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(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 |
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Ger-18 the Kingdom of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the warm reception he always receives from the audience. He acknowledges that he may have already shared everything h |
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Holiness and Unclean Lips by Harold Vaughan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of our words and how they reveal our true character. He warns that our own words will either stand against us or for us at th |
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Love Reconciles by Elizabeth Alliman | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ. They emphasize the need for believers to walk and work together, sprea |
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Guidelines to Freedom Part 8 - the Truth Matters by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenge of delivering things to people on time. He shares a strategy of overestimating the delivery time to avoid disappointing the reci |
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Guarding Against Evil Reports - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, K.P. Yohannan discusses the destructive power of evil reports and gossip. He emphasizes the importance of speaking words that are guided and regulated by the word o |