Proverbs 13:3

Commentary on Proverbs 13:3 KJV

Proverbs 13:3 offers a concise yet profound insight into the power of speech and its direct consequences on one's life. This verse serves as a foundational principle within the broader wisdom literature of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of discretion and self-control when it comes to our words.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient wisdom sayings, offering practical guidance for living a life that honors God and leads to prosperity and well-being. Throughout Proverbs, there's a strong emphasis on the contrast between the wise and the foolish, and how their actions—including their speech—determine their outcomes. This particular proverb fits squarely within this theme, highlighting the direct link between verbal discipline and personal safety or destruction.

Key Themes

• The Power of the Tongue: The verse unequivocally states that words have immense power, capable of preserving or destroying one's life. It underscores the idea that our verbal output is not neutral but carries significant weight.
• Discretion and Self-Control: "He that keepeth his mouth" speaks to the discipline of guarding one's words, exercising restraint, and thinking before speaking. This is an act of wisdom and maturity.
• Consequences of Speech: A clear cause-and-effect relationship is presented. Careful, controlled speech leads to preservation, while reckless, unrestrained speech leads to ruin or calamity. The verse serves as a warning against impulsive or harmful communication.
• Life vs. Destruction: The ultimate stakes are personal well-being (life) versus harm or ruin (destruction). This isn't merely about social standing but often about one's overall trajectory and safety in the world.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "keepeth" (shomer) means to guard, watch over, or preserve. It implies active vigilance and protection, suggesting that guarding one's mouth is an intentional, ongoing effort. The phrase "keepeth his life" uses naphsho, which refers to the soul, self, or very being of a person, indicating that the preservation is holistic—not just physical but spiritual and relational. Conversely, "openeth wide his lips" (poseq sephathayv) conveys an image of unrestrained, perhaps careless or boastful speech, leading to mehittah, which means "ruin," "destruction," or "terror."

Related Scriptures

The importance of guarding one's words is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, as seen in Proverbs 18:21, which states that 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue'. This wisdom is echoed in the New Testament, where James emphasizes the immense influence of the tongue, despite its small size, comparing it to a small rudder that steers a large ship. Similarly, Proverbs 21:23 reinforces this idea: "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

Practical Application

This proverb remains profoundly relevant in modern life. In an age of instant communication and social media, the temptation to "open wide one's lips" without forethought is ever-present. Guarding our mouths means:

• Thinking Before Speaking: Avoiding hasty, angry, or unkind words.
• Avoiding Gossip and Slander: Recognizing that negative speech can destroy reputations and relationships.
• Cultivating Edifying Speech: Choosing words that build up, encourage, and bring peace, rather than tearing down.
• Knowing When to Be Silent: Sometimes, the wisest action is to say nothing at all, especially in moments of anger or potential conflict.

By applying this wisdom, individuals can preserve their relationships, protect their reputation, maintain peace, and ultimately, safeguard their well-being in all aspects of life.