Proverbs 21:23

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

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

Berean Standard Bible:

He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Whoso keepeth^{H8104} his mouth^{H6310} and his tongue^{H3956} keepeth^{H8104} his soul^{H5315} from troubles^{H6869}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 21:23

Proverbs 21:23, "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles," encapsulates a theme found throughout the wisdom literature of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of self-control, particularly in speech. This proverb reflects the broader historical context of ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions, which valued the practical aspects of righteous living and the consequences of one's actions, including words.

In the text, the verse suggests that by exercising restraint over one's mouth and tongue—that is, by being careful about what one says—a person can avoid unnecessary conflicts and their resulting complications. The "troubles" mentioned are the potential strife, disputes, and enmity that can arise from careless, reckless, or malicious speech. The proverb encourages the reader to consider the power of words and to use them wisely, implying that self-discipline in speech is a protective measure for one's well-being—metaphorically referred to as the "soul" or "life."

This verse is part of the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs, which are attributed to King Solomon, known for his wisdom. These proverbs were likely compiled and edited over time, serving as practical guides for living a life that is both pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and one's community. The historical context of Proverbs suggests that these teachings were used in the education of young Israelites, preparing them for responsible adulthood within the covenant community of Israel. The themes of self-control and the wise use of speech are timeless and continue to be relevant in guiding personal conduct across various cultures and eras.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H8104
   There are 440 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁמַר
   Transliteration: shâmar
   Pronunciation: shaw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.; 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).
   
2. Strong's Number: H6310
   There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פֶּה
   Transliteration: peh
   Pronunciation: peh
   Description: from פָּאָה; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to; 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.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3956
   There are 115 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לָשׁוֹן
   Transliteration: lâshôwn
   Pronunciation: law-shone'
   Description: or לָשֹׁן; also (in plural) feminine לְשֹׁנָה; from לָשַׁן; the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of water); [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5315
   There are 683 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נֶפֶשׁ
   Transliteration: nephesh
   Pronunciation: neh'-fesh
   Description: from נָפַשׁ; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental); 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.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6869
   There are 72 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָרָה
   Transliteration: tsârâh
   Pronunciation: tsaw-raw'
   Description: feminine of צַר; tightness (i.e. figuratively, trouble); transitively, a female rival:; adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble.