Proverbs 13:3
Proverbs 13:3 in Multiple Translations
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life; But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
He who keeps a watch on his mouth keeps his life; but he whose lips are open wide will have destruction.
Watch what you say and save your life—saying too much leads to disaster.
Hee that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his life: but he that openeth his lips, destruction shall be to him.
Whoso is keeping his mouth, is keeping his soul, Whoso is opening wide his lips — ruin to him!
He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his soul: but he that hath no guard on his speech shall meet with evils.
Those who are very careful about what they say [MTY] will live a long life; those who talk ◄without thinking/too much► will ruin themselves.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:3
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 13:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נֹצֵ֣ר
פִּ֭י/ו
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ
פֹּשֵׂ֥ק
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/ו
מְחִתָּה
לֽ/וֹ
נֹצֵ֣ר
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal
פִּ֭י/ו
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
פֹּשֵׂ֥ק
pâsaq
H6589
to open
V-Qal
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
מְחִתָּה
mᵉchittâh
H4288
terror
N-fs
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
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 13:3
נֹצֵ֣ר
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
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.
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.
נַפְשׁ֑/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.
פֹּשֵׂ֥ק
pâsaq
H6589
"to open"
V-Qal
To open wide means to dispart or become licentious, like speaking excessively, as in Proverbs 10:32. It can also mean to open something wide.
Definition: 1) to part, open wide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to open wide 1a2) to be talkative (of the mouth) 1b) (Piel) to open wide
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: open (wide). See also: Proverbs 13:3; Ezekiel 16:25.
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/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.
מְחִתָּה
mᵉchittâh
H4288
"terror"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means terror or ruin, causing consternation or destruction. It is used to describe something that inspires fear or dread, and is translated as 'destruction' or 'terror' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) destruction, ruin, terror, a breaking 1a) terror, dismay, object of terror 1b) ruin
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: destruction, dismaying, ruin, terror. See also: Psalms 89:41; Proverbs 14:28; Proverbs 10:14.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 13:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:3
Context — A Father’s Discipline
1A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
2From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence.
3He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
4The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. 5The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:23 | He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:21 | Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. |
| 3 | Proverbs 18:7 | A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. |
| 4 | James 3:2–12 | 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. |
| 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 | 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.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 10:19 | When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. |
| 8 | Proverbs 20:19 | He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. |
| 9 | James 1:26 | If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. |
| 10 | Proverbs 12:13 | An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble. |
Proverbs 13:3 Summary
[This verse means that the words we say can either protect us or hurt us. If we are careful about what we say, we can avoid trouble and keep ourselves safe. On the other hand, if we speak without thinking, we can get into all sorts of problems. As it says in Ephesians 4:29, 'Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.' By being mindful of our words, we can build each other up and bring glory to God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'guard' our mouths in Proverbs 13:3?
To guard our mouths means to be careful and thoughtful about what we say, as seen in Proverbs 21:23, which says, 'Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.'
Can our words really bring ruin to our lives?
Yes, our words have the power to bring harm or benefit to ourselves and others, as stated in Proverbs 18:21, which says, 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.'
How does this verse relate to our witness as Christians?
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be mindful of our words, as they can either bring glory to God or hinder our testimony, as seen in Colossians 4:6, which says, 'Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.'
Is it possible to recover from the damage caused by reckless words?
Yes, with humility and repentance, we can seek forgiveness and restoration, as seen in Psalm 51:17, which says, 'The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart; these, O God, you will not despise.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'guard my mouth' in my daily interactions with others?
- How have I seen the power of words bring either life or death in my own life or the lives of those around me?
- What are some common phrases or attitudes that I need to 'guard' against in my own speech?
- In what ways can I use my words to bring encouragement and blessing to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:3
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life,.... He that keeps his mouth shut keeps it as with a bridle; keeps it from speaking things of other persons, particularly of such as are in high places, of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:3
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:3
He that keepeth his mouth, to wit, to the opening of it; who speaks sparingly, and with due care and caution; keepeth his life; prevents many sins and mischiefs which others run into. He that openeth wide his lips, that takes liberty to speak every thing which pleaseth him, or cometh into his mind, shall have destruction, from God or men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:3
Proverbs 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.Ver. 3. He that keepeth his mouth.] As the guard keepeth the gates in a siege. God hath set a double guard of lips and teeth before this gate, and yet, unless he himself set the watch, and keep the door, all will be lost. But he that openeth wide his lips.] As she did her feet, to "multiply her whoredoms." Kεχηνοτες, gaping mouthed men are noted for fools by Lucian and Aristophanes. An open mouth is a purgatory to the master, say we. And cave ne feriat lingua tua collum tuum, say the Arabians in their proverb, Take heed that thy tongue cut not thy throat. Scalig. Arab. Prov., cent. 1. Proverbs 75.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:3
(3) He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life.—Comp. above, on Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 12:13.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:3
Verse 3. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life] How often have the foolish, headstrong, and wicked, forfeited their lives by the treasonable or blasphemous words they have spoken! The government of the tongue is a rare but useful talent. But he that openeth wide his lips] He that puts no bounds to his loquacity, speaks on every subject, and gives his judgment and opinion on every matter. It has often been remarked that God has, given us two EYES, that we may SEE much; two EARS, that we may HEAR much; but has given us but ONE tongue, and that fenced in with teeth, to indicate that though we hear and see much, we should speak but little.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:3
3. keepeth … keepeth] Rather, guardeth … keepeth, R.V., the Heb. words being different. For the sentiment comp. Proverbs 10:19.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:3
3. He that keepeth (or watcheth) his mouth — Meaning himself. Comp.
Sermons on Proverbs 13:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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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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 |
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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 |
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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 |