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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 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/13-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_13_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 13:3 - A Father's Discipline" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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opening your mouth can ruin everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: <i>but</i> he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth preserves his life, <i>But</i> he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who guards his mouth protects his life; One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The one who guards his mouth keeps his soul; The one who opens wide his lips <i>comes</i> to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life; The one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life; But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Keep what you know to yourself, and you will be safe; talk too much, and you are done for. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever controls his mouth protects his own life. Whoever has a big mouth comes to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Anyone who guards his words protects his life; anyone who talks too much is ruined.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who guards his words guards his life, but whoever is talkative will come to ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is keeping his mouth, is keeping his soul, "" Whoever is opening wide his lips—ruin to him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is keeping his mouth, is keeping his soul, Whoso is opening wide his lips -- ruin to him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He guarding his mouth, watched his soul: he opening wide his lips, destruction to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his soul: but he that hath no guard on his speech shall meet with evils. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever guards his mouth guards his soul. But whoever gives no consideration to his speech shall experience misfortunes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who guard their mouths preserve themselves; those who open wide their lips bring ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives; those who open wide their lips come to ruin.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth keeps his life; he who speaks too much shall bring ruin upon himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that keeps his mouth takes care of his soul, and he that opens his lips works shipwreck to his soul.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life; But for him that openeth wide his lips there shall be ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that keeps his own mouth keeps his own life: but he that is hasty with his lips shall bring terror upon himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/13-3.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=2369" 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/13.htm">A Father's Discipline</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5341.htm" title="5341: nō·ṣêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To watch, guard, keep. A primitive root; to guard, in a good sense Or a bad one.">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/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.">protects</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 life,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6589.htm" title="6589: pō·śêq (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To part, open wide. A primitive root; to dispart, i.e. Become licentious.">but the one who opens</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: p̄ā·ṯāw (N-fdc:: 3ms) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">his lips</a> <a href="/hebrew/4288.htm" title="4288: mə·ḥit·tāh- (N-fs) -- Terror, destruction, ruin. From chathah; properly, a dissolution; concretely, a ruin, or consternation.">invites his own ruin.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.…<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 3:2-10</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. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. / Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ...<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="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<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="/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="/psalms/141-3.htm">Psalm 141:3</a></span><br />Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.<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="/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.<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="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<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/29-20.htm">Proverbs 29:20</a></span><br />Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that keeps his mouth keeps his life: but he that opens wide his lips shall have destruction.</p><p class="hdg">0:19</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/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></b></br> Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">Psalm 39:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, <i>even</i> to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/12-12.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/luke/11-21.htm">Guardeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-8.htm">Guards</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-2.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-2.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/146-8.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/psalms/146-8.htm">Opens</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-8.htm">Preserves</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Rashly</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-12.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-2.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-34.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/psalms/119-131.htm">Wide</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Guardeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Guards</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-3.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Opens</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Preserves</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-25.htm">Rashly</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-3.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Wide</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/13-1.htm">a scoffer does not listen to rebuke</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/13.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/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He who guards his mouth protects his life</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of self-control and wisdom in speech. In biblical context, the mouth often symbolizes one's words and the power they hold. Proverbs frequently highlights the significance of wise speech (<a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19, 21</a>:23). The idea of "guarding" suggests vigilance and intentionality, akin to a watchman protecting a city. In ancient Israel, cities were fortified with walls and gates, and guards were crucial for protection. Similarly, guarding one's words can prevent personal and relational harm. The concept of life here extends beyond physical existence to include spiritual and emotional well-being, aligning with the biblical principle that words can bring life or death (<a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>).<p><b>but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin</b><br>This part of the verse warns against reckless or excessive speech. In the cultural context of the Bible, speech was a primary means of communication and influence, and thus carried significant weight. The phrase "opens his lips" implies speaking without restraint or consideration, which can lead to negative consequences. The term "ruin" suggests destruction or downfall, which can be both personal and communal. This aligns with <a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a>, where the tongue is described as a small part of the body that can cause great harm, like a spark that sets a forest ablaze. The warning here is a call to wisdom, urging individuals to consider the impact of their words and to seek guidance from God in their speech, reflecting the character of Christ, who spoke with authority and grace (<a href="/luke/4-22.htm">Luke 4:22</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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, providing guidance for living a life pleasing to God.<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 according to God's wisdom and those who do not.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_speech_as_a_form_of_wisdom.htm">Guarding Speech as a Form of Wisdom</a></b><br>The Hebrew word for "guards" (shamar) implies careful watching and protecting. Just as a guard watches over a city, we must vigilantly watch over our words.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_uncontrolled_speech.htm">The Consequences of Uncontrolled Speech</a></b><br>The phrase "invites his own ruin" suggests that reckless words can lead to personal destruction. This highlights the importance of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>).<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/speech_reflects_the_heart.htm">Speech Reflects the Heart</a></b><br>Our words are a reflection of our inner character. By guarding our speech, we demonstrate a heart aligned with God's wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_steps_to_guarding_our_mouths.htm">Practical Steps to Guarding Our Mouths</a></b><br>Engage in regular self-reflection and prayer, asking God to help you control your tongue.<br><br>Practice active listening, ensuring you understand before responding.<br><br>Memorize and meditate on scriptures that emphasize the importance of wise speech.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 13</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_egalitarianism.htm">Does wise speech foster well-being?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_wise_speech_foster_well-being.htm">Does wise speech foster well-being?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_gambling_considered_sinful.htm">Is gambling considered sinful?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/psalm_141_3__science_behind_speech_guard.htm">Psalm 141:3 – What scientific or psychological basis supports the metaphor of God acting as a literal guard over someone’s speech? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life.--</span>Comp. above, on <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm" title="Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.">Proverbs 4:23</a>; <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/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that keepeth</span> (guardeth) <span class="cmt_word">his mouth keepeth his</span> <span class="cmt_word">life</span> (<a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>; <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a>; comp. <a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">Psalm 39:1</a>; <a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a>). Thus the gnome - <p><span class="greek">Ἡ γλῶσσα πολλοὺς εἰς ὄλεθρον ἤγαγεν</span>. <p><span class="accented">"The tongue hath many to destruction led."</span> And Ecclus. 28:25, "Weigh thy words in a balance, and make a door and bar for thy mouth. Beware thou slide not by it, lest thou fall before him that lieth in wait." But <span class="cmt_word">he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction</span> (<a href="/proverbs/10-14.htm">Proverbs 10:14</a>). The Vulgate paraphrases, "He who is inconsiderate in speech shall experience evils;" Septuagint, "will terrify himself" - will occasion to himself many terrible alarms and inflictions. Hence the psalmist prays, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my month; keep the door of my lips." So we have in the Danish, "A silent man's words are not brought into court;" and in the Spanish, "Let not the tongue say what the head shall pay for;" while the Italians tell us, "The sheep that bleats is strangled by the wolf:" and "Silence was never written down" (Kelly). (See on Proverbs 18:6; 20:19.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/13-3.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">נֹצֵ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(nō·ṣêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5341.htm">Strong's 5341: </a> </span><span class="str2">To watch, guard, keep</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">protects</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 life,</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְשׁ֑וֹ</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">[but] the one who opens</span><br /><span class="heb">פֹּשֵׂ֥ק</span> <span class="translit">(pō·śêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6589.htm">Strong's 6589: </a> </span><span class="str2">To dispart, become licentious</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his lips</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ā·ṯāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">invites his own ruin.</span><br /><span class="heb">מְחִתָּה־</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḥit·tāh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4288.htm">Strong's 4288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dissolution, a ruin, consternation</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth guards his (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/13-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 13:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 13:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 13:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 13:4" /></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>