Proverbs 21:23

Proverbs 21:23, from the KJV, offers profound insight into the power of self-control, particularly concerning one's words. It states, "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." This verse underscores a foundational principle of biblical wisdom: careful speech is a pathway to a peaceful and less troubled life.

Context of Proverbs 21:23

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient Israelite wisdom, primarily attributed to King Solomon. It provides practical guidance for living a righteous and successful life, often contrasting the paths of the wise and the foolish. Chapter 21, like many others, presents a series of individual proverbs that offer pithy, memorable truths about various aspects of human behavior, including justice, diligence, pride, and the consequences of one's actions and words. This particular proverb fits within a broader theme in Proverbs that emphasizes the immense impact of speech on personal well-being and relationships.

Key Themes and Messages

• Self-Control in Speech: The core message is the necessity of discipline over one's verbal expressions. "Keeping" (Hebrew: shomer, meaning to guard, watch over, preserve) implies an active, intentional effort to manage what comes out of the mouth and off the tongue.
• Prevention of Troubles: The immediate benefit of such self-control is the avoidance of "troubles" (Hebrew: tsarot), which encompass distresses, adversities, afflictions, and difficult situations. Many of life's conflicts, misunderstandings, and regrets stem directly from careless or impulsive words.
• Wisdom and Prudence: This verse highlights that prudent speech is a mark of true wisdom. A wise person understands the potential for both good and harm that words carry and therefore exercises caution.
• Protection of the Soul: By guarding the mouth and tongue, one "keepeth his soul" from troubles. This suggests not just avoiding external problems, but also preserving inner peace, reputation, and spiritual integrity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "keepeth" (שֹׁמֵר, shomer) carries the sense of a watchful guard or keeper. It's not merely about holding back words, but actively exercising discretion and foresight in communication. The word for "troubles" (צָרוֹת, tsarot) denotes narrowness, distress, or anguish, painting a picture of the constricted and painful situations that uncontrolled speech can lead to.

Related Scriptures

The Bible consistently emphasizes the power of the tongue and the importance of wise speech:

• Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof," directly linking words to profound consequences.
• The New Testament also reiterates this truth. James 1:26 warns, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."
• James 3:8 describes the tongue as "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison," highlighting its destructive potential when unchecked.

Practical Application

Proverbs 21:23 serves as a timeless reminder for daily living. In a world where communication is constant and often unfiltered, this verse encourages:

• Mindful Communication: Before speaking, consider the potential impact of your words. Are they true, kind, necessary, and helpful?
• Avoiding Hasty Words: Resist the urge to speak impulsively, especially when angry or emotional. Hasty words often lead to regret and unnecessary conflict.
• Cultivating Peace: By controlling the tongue, individuals can foster more harmonious relationships at home, work, and within the community, thereby avoiding many interpersonal "troubles."
• Personal Integrity: Guarding one's speech is an act of self-discipline that contributes to a person's overall character and well-being, protecting their reputation and inner peace.

Ultimately, this proverb calls believers to exercise wisdom and self-control, recognizing that disciplined speech is a vital component of a life free from avoidable strife and distress.