TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Complete Jewish Bible
When words are many, sin is not lacking; so he who controls his speech is wise.
Berean Standard Bible
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
American Standard Version
In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely.
World English Bible Messianic
In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
Geneva Bible (1599)
In many wordes there cannot want iniquitie: but he that refrayneth his lippes, is wise.
Young's Literal Translation
In the abundance of words transgression ceaseth not, And whoso is restraining his lips is wise.
See also
In the KJVVerse 16,676 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Proverbs 10 verse 19
19 ¶ In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
We are here admonished concerning the government of the tongue, that necessary duty of a Christian. 1. It is good to say little, because in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, or sin doth not cease. Usually, those that speak much speak much amiss, and among many words there cannot but be many idle words, which they must shortly give an account of. Those that love to hear themselves talk do not consider what work they are making for repentance; for that will be wanted, and first or last will be had, where there wanteth not sin. 2. It is therefore good to keep our mouth as with a bridle: He that refrains his lips, that often checks himself, suppresses what he has thought, and holds in that which would transpire, is a wise man; it is an evidence of his wisdom, and he therein consults his own peace. Little said is soon amended, Amo 5:13; Jam 1:19.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 19. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 5:4-5
How can teaching accomplish anything without a multitude of words, understood in the simpler sense, since even wisdom herself declares to the perishing, “I stretched out words, and you did not heed.” Paul appears to have continued teaching from early morning till midnight, when indeed Eutychus, overcome with deep sleep, fell down and troubled the audience since they thought he was dead.If, then, the statement is true, “In a multitude of words you will not escape sin,” and it is also true that Solomon did not sin when he recited the many words about the subjects mentioned earlier, nor did Paul when he extended his teaching until midnight, one must inquire what the multitude of words is, and from there make a transition to see what the many books are.
The complete Word of God which was in the beginning with God is not a multitude of words, for it is not words. It is a single Word consisting of several ideas, each of which is a part of the whole Word.…
Consequently, according to this understanding, we would say that he who utters anything hostile to religion is loquacious, but he who speaks the things of truth, even if he says everything so as to leave out nothing, always speaks the one Word. The saints are not loquacious, since they cling to the goal which accords with the one Word.
Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 22:4
Stir up your soul, so that, by his wisdom, you may know what is fitting, and that, by his will, what is in the commandment may come to pass. One who is pleasing to the wicked is more evil than they. Impure words are only verbiage and empty noise. “Abundance of words will not go blameless.” Abundance of words is the sign of no discipline.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Concerning Virginity 3.3.11
The virtue of silence, especially in church, is very great. Let no sentence of the divine lessons escape you. If you give ear, restrain your voice, utter no word with your lips which you would wish to bring back, but let your boldness to speak be sparing. For in truth in much speaking there is abundance of sin. To the murderer it was said, “You have sinned, be silent,” that he might not sin more; but to the virgin it must be said, “Be silent lest you sin.” For Mary, as we read, kept in heart all things that were said concerning her Son. So when any passage is read where Christ is announced as about to come or is shown to have come, do not make a noise by talking, but attend. Is anything more unbecoming that the divine words should be so drowned by talking, as not to be heard, believed or made known, that the sacraments should be indistinctly heard through the sound of voices, that prayer should be hindered when offered for the salvation of all?
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Cain and Abel
Learn what your door is: Place, O Lord, a guard at my mouth, and a door protector around my lips. And Paul asks to be prayed for: That a door may be opened to me, he says, to speak the mystery of Christ. But as he was chosen to preach the Gospel, he rightly desired that the door of the word be opened to him; for from his mouth salvation of the nations went forth, from his mouth came forth the life of the people. But we shut the door, lest fault enter, lest any slip of speech should go out. Fault enters if a slip goes out. Listen how fault enters. In much speaking, it says, you will not avoid sin. Much speaking went out, sin entered; because in much speaking, the word that goes out is not at all examined. It slips foolishly, though speaking excessively is a great sin in itself.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
ON THE TRINITY 15:51
I know that it is written, “In much speaking you shall not escape sin.” Would that all my speaking were only the preaching of your word and the praise of you! Then I would not only escape sin, no matter how many words I spoke, but also obtain a good reward. For it could not have been sin that a man blessed of you commanded upon his own son in the faith, to whom he wrote, “Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season.” In him who neither in season nor out of season kept back your word, none can say that there was not much speaking. And yet it was not much, when so much was needed. [But] deliver me, O God, from the multitude of words within my own soul.
Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
Arsenius always used to say this, ‘Why, words, did I let you get out? I have often been sorry that I have spoken, never that I have been silent.’
Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
They said of Agatho that for three years he kept a stone in his mouth in order to teach himself silence.
Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
A brother asked Poemen, ‘How ought I to behave in my cell in the place where I live?’ He answered, ‘Be as prudent as a stranger; and wherever you are, do not expect your words to be taken seriously when you speak, and you will find peace.’
Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
Some brothers from Scetis wanted to visit Antony, and set out in a ship to go there. On board they met an old man who also wanted to go to Antony, but he did not belong to their party. During the voyage they talked about the sayings of the fathers, and the Scriptures, and then the manual work that they did, but the old man said nothing at all. When they came to the landing-place, they realized that the old man also was going to see Antony. When they arrived, Antony said to them, ‘You found good company on your journey in this old man.’ He said to the old man, ‘You found good companions in these brothers.’ The old man said, ‘Yes, they are good, but their house has no door. Anyone who wants to goes into the stable and steals the donkey.’ He said this because they had said the first thing that came into their heads.
Benedict of NursiaAD 548
BENEDICT 6
If, for the sake of silence, we ought sometimes not to speak what is good, then even more are we obliged to avoid all evil talk, for fear of the punishment due to sin. Therefore, frequent leave to talk is not to be granted to those who are advanced in perfection, even if the subject is good and holy and edifying. Because it is written, “In much talk you shall not avoid sin,” and elsewhere, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” It belongs to the master to speak and teach, and it is the duty of the disciple to hear and obey. RULE OF ST.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Proverbs 10:19 offers a profound and timeless insight into the discipline of speech, asserting that an unrestrained abundance of words inevitably opens the door to sin, while the individual who exercises thoughtful control and restraint over their communication demonstrates true wisdom. This proverb highlights the inherent moral peril of unbridled verbal expression and commends the virtue of self-control as a hallmark of spiritual maturity and practical discernment, emphasizing that quality and intentionality in speech far outweigh mere quantity.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Proverbs 10 marks a distinct structural shift within the book, initiating the core collection of individual, often antithetical, proverbs (chapters 10-29). Unlike the extended sapiential discourses and parental exhortations found in Proverbs 1-9, these later chapters consist primarily of concise, two-line sayings designed for easy memorization and practical application in daily life. Many proverbs in this section, including Proverbs 10:19, employ sharp contrasts to delineate the characteristics and outcomes of the righteous versus the wicked, and the wise versus the foolish. Within this extensive collection, the theme of speech is remarkably pervasive, frequently serving as a primary indicator of a person's character, moral standing, and spiritual condition. Verses like Proverbs 10:11 ("The mouth of the righteous is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.") and Proverbs 10:20 ("The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.") immediately precede and follow, reinforcing the central importance of the tongue and its profound impact on one's life and relationships. This positioning underscores that wise speech is not an isolated virtue but integral to a life of righteousness.
Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Israel, like many societies in the ancient Near East, was predominantly an oral culture where spoken words carried immense weight, authority, and binding power. Reputations were meticulously built and swiftly destroyed by speech, and legal proceedings often hinged on verbal testimony, making perjury a grave offense. Wisdom literature, exemplified by the book of Proverbs, emerged from a tradition of sages, elders, and family heads who diligently observed human behavior, discerned divine patterns in creation, and distilled practical truths for ethical living within the covenant community. The profound emphasis on controlling the tongue throughout Proverbs reflects a deep understanding of human nature and the intricate dynamics of communal life. Loose, malicious, or thoughtless speech could sow discord, ruin lives through slander or gossip, ignite conflicts, and undermine the very fabric of social order. Conversely, carefully chosen, truthful, and edifying words were seen as foundational to a harmonious society. The cultural value placed on honor and shame meant that words, whether praise or condemnation, had tangible and lasting societal consequences, making verbal discipline a critical component of personal and communal well-being.
Key Themes: Proverbs 10:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical wisdom tradition. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of Wisdom vs. Folly, clearly associating verbal restraint with true wisdom and contrasting it sharply with excessive, uncontrolled speech, which inevitably leads to foolishness and sin. Secondly, the proverb highlights the pervasive biblical theme of the Power of the Tongue, emphasizing that this small member possesses an immense capacity for both good and evil, a concept profoundly explored in passages like James 3, which describes the tongue as a fire capable of setting the whole course of one's life ablaze. Thirdly, the verse speaks directly to the critical importance of Self-Control and Discipline, presenting the ability to "refrain one's lips" as a vital spiritual and practical discipline necessary for righteous living and for navigating the complexities of human interaction. This discipline is not merely about silence but about intentionality and discernment in communication. Finally, it implicitly addresses the theme of Moral Accountability, suggesting that words are not neutral or fleeting but carry significant moral weight and consequences, aligning with the sobering teaching of Jesus in Matthew 12:36 that people will give account for every idle word they speak on the day of judgment.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Proverbs 10:19 is a quintessential example of Antithetical Parallelism, a foundational characteristic of Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature. This device is evident in the verse's structure, where the second line presents a thought or outcome that is in direct opposition to the first. The negative consequence of "multitude of words" leading to "sin" is set in sharp contrast to the positive outcome of "he that refraineth his lips" being "wise." This structure effectively highlights the moral and practical dichotomy between unrestrained, foolish speech and disciplined, wise communication, making the proverb's message clear and memorable. Additionally, the phrase "refraineth his lips" employs Metonymy, a figure of speech where a part stands for the whole. Here, "lips" represent the entire act of speaking or verbal expression, emphasizing the physical control exerted over the mouth as a symbol of deeper, inner discipline and self-governance. There is also a subtle Irony at play; while common perception might equate more words with greater influence, knowledge, or even wisdom, the proverb asserts the counter-intuitive truth that verbal abundance often leads to moral failure and foolishness, whereas restraint and judicious silence are the true marks of wisdom.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the broader biblical understanding of the tongue as an incredibly powerful instrument, capable of producing immense good or profound evil. The Scriptures consistently teach that speech is not a neutral act; rather, it is a direct overflow of the heart and thus reveals one's true character and spiritual condition. Uncontrolled speech is frequently linked to a wide array of sins, including gossip, slander, lying, boasting, grumbling, and idle words, all of which damage relationships, undermine truth, sow discord, and ultimately dishonor God. Conversely, wise, righteous, and Spirit-controlled speech is consistently associated with edification, truth-telling, bringing grace to the hearers, and glorifying God. Therefore, the call to verbal restraint is not merely a matter of social etiquette or practical prudence but a vital spiritual discipline, reflecting a heart transformed by God's wisdom and a profound desire to honor Him in all things, recognizing the moral weight and eternal implications of every word uttered.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an era saturated with constant communication—from the relentless stream of social media to ubiquitous digital platforms and endless meetings—the ancient wisdom of Proverbs 10:19 is arguably more pertinent and urgent than ever before. We are often culturally encouraged to speak up, share every opinion, and engage in continuous dialogue, yet this proverb serves as a crucial counter-balance, reminding us of the inherent dangers and moral pitfalls of unchecked verbal output. To apply this verse in our daily lives means cultivating radical intentionality in our communication: pausing before we speak, carefully considering the potential impact and consequences of our words, and discerning whether our speech truly adds value, truth, grace, or edification. It calls us to prioritize active listening over speaking, to resist the pervasive temptation to fill every silence, and to actively guard against the urge to engage in gossip, slander, complaining, or idle chatter that serves no constructive purpose. Embracing this profound wisdom fosters deeper, more meaningful relationships, prevents unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings, and cultivates a spirit of humility, thoughtfulness, and discernment, ultimately reflecting a greater maturity and Christlikeness in our interactions.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "multitude of words" imply that all extensive speaking is sinful, such as teaching or preaching?
Answer: Not necessarily. The proverb is not a blanket condemnation of all extensive speech, such as teaching, preaching, heartfelt conversation, or necessary dialogue. Rather, it warns specifically against unrestrained, unwise, thoughtless, or undisciplined speech that arises from a lack of self-control, discernment, or a heart not fully submitted to God. The "sin" arises not from the quantity of words in itself, but from the quality, purpose, and source of the words when they are uttered without proper consideration, leading to gossip, slander, lies, idle chatter, boasting, or rash promises. For example, a teacher or preacher may use many words, but if those words are carefully chosen, truthful, edifying, and delivered with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they are not sinful; indeed, they are often a conduit of God's grace and truth, as seen in the extensive teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. The key lies in the restraint and wisdom that guides the speech, ensuring that words are used for edification, truth, and God's glory, not for folly or transgression. True wisdom discerns when to speak and when to remain silent, and when speaking, how to do so with grace and truth (Colossians 4:6).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 10:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. As the living Word of God (John 1:1), Jesus perfectly exemplified wise and restrained speech, serving as the divine antithesis to the "multitude of words" that lead to sin. His words were always purposeful, filled with truth, grace, and divine authority, never idle, wasteful, or misdirected. He spoke with unparalleled wisdom, knowing precisely when to speak and when to remain silent, as powerfully demonstrated in His profound teachings (e.g., Matthew 7:28-29) and His dignified silence before His accusers and Pilate (Isaiah 53:7 prophesied, and Matthew 27:12-14 recorded). Unlike humanity, whose "multitude of words" often reveals a heart prone to sin and evil (Matthew 12:34), Jesus' words flowed from a perfectly righteous, pure, and holy heart. He is the ultimate "wise" one who perfectly "refrained His lips" from any word that would not glorify God, fulfill prophecy, or serve His redemptive purpose. His life and ministry demonstrate that true wisdom in speech is not merely about saying less, but about speaking only that which is true, necessary, and life-giving, ultimately leading to eternal life for those who hear His voice and believe (John 6:68). Through Him, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to put off corrupting talk and speak only what is good for building up (Ephesians 4:29).