Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just say that talking too much leads to sin; it points out that with "many words, transgression is not lacking." This subtle phrasing suggests that a torrent of speech is almost guaranteed to spill over into falsehood, carelessness, or unkindness, and that true wisdom lies in deliberately holding back from that inevitable overflow.
This proverb is part of the larger collection contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It follows verses that highlight how the wicked can multiply trouble and injustice, suggesting that excessive talking, often without thought or care, is a hallmark of this destructive pattern. The verse sits within a section emphasizing that true wisdom is demonstrated not by the quantity of words spoken, but by the prudent control of one's speech.
Ever feel like the more you talk, the more you mess up? This verse gets right to the heart of that feeling.
Solomon here points out a direct link between excessive talking and making mistakes. It’s not that every word spoken is sinful, but the sheer volume makes it highly probable that sin will creep in. Think about it: when you’re talking a lot, it’s harder to filter out hasty judgments, exaggeration, gossip, or simply things that aren’t true or helpful. The more you speak, the greater the chance your words will stray from truth, kindness, or the right timing.
Wisdom isn't just about knowing what to say, but also knowing when not to say it.
The second part of the verse offers the solution: prudence. Restraining your lips doesn't mean never speaking, but rather exercising self-control and careful consideration before you utter a word. A wise person thinks before they speak, weighing their words for truthfulness, accuracy, and impact. They understand that silence can often be the most intelligent response, preventing harm, misunderstanding, and sin. It's about mastering your tongue, not letting it master you.
Understand the original words
pesha · Hebrew Noun
A deliberate violation or rebellion against established law or moral standards, involving a breaking of trust or covenant.
sakal · Hebrew Adjective
Characterized by sound judgment, insight, and the ability to control one's speech and actions for the best outcome.
Jesus warns that people will have to give an account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they speak, directly echoing the proverb's concern about the sinfulness of excessive talk.
James 1:19James advises his readers to be 'quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,' a principle that directly supports the wisdom of restraining one's lips for prudent living.
Ecclesiastes 5:3This passage warns that 'a dream comes with much striving, and a fool's voice with many words,' highlighting how over-talking can stem from foolishness and lead to vanity, similar to the sin found in many words in Proverbs.
Proverbs 17:27This verse states that 'whoever restrains his words shows knowledge, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit,' reinforcing the idea that controlling one's speech is a mark of true wisdom and self-control.
Psalm 39:1The Psalmist expresses a vow to guard his ways so as not to sin with his tongue, showing a deep, personal struggle with controlling speech that resonates with the proverb's practical advice.
pooleProverbs 10:19: "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise."
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, Ecclesiastes 5:3 , 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.
ellicottProverbs 10:19: "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise."
(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.
The verse doesn't just say that talking too much leads to sin; it points out that with "many words, transgression is not lacking." This subtle phrasing suggests that a torrent of speech is almost guaranteed to spill over into falsehood, carelessness, or unkindness, and that true wisdom lies in deliberately holding back from that inevitable overflow.
This proverb is part of the larger collection contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It follows verses that highlight how the wicked can multiply trouble and injustice, suggesting that excessive talking, often without thought or care, is a hallmark of this destructive pattern. The verse sits within a section emphasizing that true wisdom is demonstrated not by the quantity of words spoken, but by the prudent control of one's speech.
This proverb is part of the larger collection contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It follows verses that highlight how the wicked can multiply trouble and injustice, suggesting that excessive talking, often without thought or care, is a hallmark of this destructive pattern. The verse sits within a section emphasizing that true wisdom is demonstrated not by the quantity of words spoken, but by the prudent control of one's speech.
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"When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." — The verse doesn't just say that talking too much leads to sin; it points out that with "many words, transgression is not lacking." This subtle phrasing suggests that a torrent of speech is almost g…
