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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/21-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/20_Pro_21_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 21:23 - The King's Heart" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm" title="Proverbs 21:22">◄</a> Proverbs 21:23 <a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm" title="Proverbs 21:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who keeps his mouth and his tongue, Keeps his soul from troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and his tongue Guards himself from troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever watches his mouth and tongue keeps himself from trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his life from troubles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Whoever keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is keeping his mouth and his tongue, "" Is keeping his soul from adversities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is keeping his mouth and his tongue, Is keeping from adversities his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He watching his mouth and his tongue watches his soul from straits.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from distress. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from anguish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who guard mouth and tongue guard themselves from trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from trouble.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/21-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4314" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">The King's Heart</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: šō·mêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">He who guards</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">his mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: ū·lə·šō·w·nōw (Conj-w:: N-csc:: 3ms) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">and tongue</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: šō·mêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">keeps</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">his soul</a> <a href="/hebrew/6869.htm" title="6869: miṣ·ṣā·rō·wṯ (Prep-m:: N-fp) -- Tightness, a female rival. Feminine of tsar; tightness; transitively, a female rival.">from distress.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man—of him who acts with excessive pride.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a></span><br />We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-13.htm">Psalm 34:13</a></span><br />Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-11.htm">Matthew 15:11</a></span><br />A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-13.htm">Proverbs 12:13</a></span><br />An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:2-3</a></span><br />Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few. / As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27-28</a></span><br />A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></b></br> In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips <i>is</i> wise.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-13.htm">Proverbs 12:13</a></b></br> The wicked is snared by the transgression of <i>his</i> lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></b></br> He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: <i>but</i> he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Adversities</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-13.htm">Calamity</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Guards</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-23.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Troubles</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">Adversities</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Calamity</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Guards</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-14.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-3.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Troubles</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">The king's heart in the hand of the Lord</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He who guards his mouth and tongue</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of self-control in speech. In biblical times, words held significant power, often determining one's reputation and relationships. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, frequently addresses the tongue's potential for both good and harm (<a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>). The concept of guarding one's speech is echoed in <a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2-12</a>, where the tongue is described as a small part of the body but capable of great influence. The imagery of guarding suggests vigilance and intentionality, akin to a watchman protecting a city. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of wisdom as a protective force, guiding believers to live righteously.<p><b>keeps his soul from distress</b><br>The term "soul" here refers to one's inner being or life essence, indicating that the consequences of speech extend beyond external circumstances to affect one's spiritual and emotional well-being. Distress can encompass a range of negative outcomes, from personal turmoil to relational conflict. In the ancient Near Eastern context, maintaining harmony within the community was vital, and reckless words could lead to social discord or even legal repercussions. This principle is consistent with teachings found in the New Testament, such as <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a>, which advises believers to speak only what is helpful for building others up. The promise of peace and protection for those who exercise restraint in speech reflects the biblical understanding of wisdom as a source of life and blessing (<a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs offer practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally given, representing God's chosen people who were to live according to His wisdom and commandments.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_and_the_foolish.htm">The Wise and the Foolish</a></b><br>Throughout Proverbs, these two archetypes are used to contrast those who live by God's wisdom and those who reject it.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_speech_as_a_spiritual_discipline.htm">Guarding Speech as a Spiritual Discipline</a></b><br>The Hebrew word for "guards" (shamar) implies careful watching and protecting. As believers, we are called to be vigilant about our words, understanding their power to build up or tear down.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_connection_between_speech_and_the_soul.htm">The Connection Between Speech and the Soul</a></b><br>The verse highlights that controlling our speech is directly linked to the well-being of our soul. Reckless words can lead to personal distress and relational strife.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_steps_for_guarding_the_tongue.htm">Practical Steps for Guarding the Tongue</a></b><br>Engage in regular self-reflection and prayer, asking God for wisdom and self-control.<br><br>Practice active listening and think before speaking, ensuring that words are edifying and truthful.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>Rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and convict us in our speech, producing the fruit of self-control as part of our sanctification process.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_sons_of_disobedience.htm">Will your words justify you?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_tongue_affect_us.htm">How does the tongue influence our lives and relationships?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_our_beliefs_in_the_bible.htm">What is the meaning of James 3:8?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'few_workers'.htm">What does the Bible say about unwholesome talk?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, &c</span>--See above on <a href="/proverbs/12-13.htm" title="The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.">Proverbs 12:13</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - We have had similar maxims before (<a href="/proverbs/13-8.htm">Proverbs 13:8</a> and Proverbs 18:21, where see notes). <span class="cmt_word">He keepeth his mouth,</span> who knows when to speak and when to be silent; and he keepeth his tongue, who says only what is to the purpose. We have all heard the proverb, "Speech is silver, silence is gold." <span class="cmt_word">One who thus takes heed of his words,</span> <span class="cmt_word">keepeth his soul from troubles.</span> The troubles (<span class="accented">angores</span>, Vulgate) are such as these - remorse for the evil occasioned, distress of conscience, vexation and strife with offended neighbours, danger of liberty and life, and, above all, the anger of God, and retribution in the judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/21-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He who guards</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁמֵ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(šō·mêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּ֭יו</span> <span class="translit">(pîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and tongue</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְשׁוֹנ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·šō·w·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">keeps</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁמֵ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(šō·mêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his soul</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְשֽׁוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">from distress.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצָּר֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·ṣā·rō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6869.htm">Strong's 6869: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tightness, a female rival</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 21:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 21:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>