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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 13:3

Note, 1. A guard upon the lips is a guard to the soul. He that is cautious, that thinks twice before he speaks once, that, if he have thought evil, lays his hand upon his mouth to suppress it, that keeps a strong bridle on his tongue and a strict hand on that bridle, he keeps his soul from a great deal both of guilt and grief and saves himself the trouble of many bitter reflections on himself and reflections of others upon him. 2. There is many a one ruined by an ungoverned tongue: He that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:3

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life ,.... He that keeps his mouth shut keeps it as with a bridle; keeps it from speaking things of other persons, particularly of such as are in high places, of kings and princes, and civil magistrates: he keeps himself quiet and comfortable; keeps himself from many troubles, which otherwise he would come into; keeps his life from danger, to which it would be exposed, should he speak evil of dignities, or give himself the freedom, as some do, whereby... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 13:3

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life - How often have the foolish, headstrong, and wicked, forfeited their lives by the treasonable or blasphemous words they have spoken! The government of the tongue is a rare but useful talent. But he that openeth wide his lips - He that puts no bounds to his loquacity, speaks on every subject, and gives his judgment and opinion on every matter. It has often been remarked that God has, given us two Eyes, that we may See much; two Ears, that we may... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 13:1-18

The wisdom of docility, etc.: a sermon to the young We have the positive and negative, the happy and the sorrowful aspects of the subject brought into view. I. THE WISDOM OF DOCILITY . The excellency of docility is seen in its results: 1 . In character. It is a "wise son" who heareth his father's instruction. 2 . In circumstance. The docile son will "be rewarded," will "be honored." The path he treads is one which leads to competence, to comfort, to health, to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 13:3

He that keepeth (guardeth) his mouth keepeth his life ( Proverbs 18:21 ; Proverbs 21:23 ; comp. Psalms 39:1 ; James 1:26 ). Thus the gnome— ἡ γλῶσσα πολλοὺς εἰς ὄλεθρον ἤγαγεν . "The tongue hath many to destruction led." And Ecclesiasticus 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 he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction ( Proverbs... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 13:1-3

Proverbs 13:1-3. A wise son, &c. Houbigant translates this verse, “A wise son regardeth the instruction of his father; but a son who is a scorner heareth not rebuke.” A man shall eat good Shall receive much comfort, credit, and benefit to himself; by the fruit of his mouth By his wise and profitable discourses; but the soul That is, the person, as the word soul often signifies; of the transgressors Of those that transgress with their lips, which seems to be the meaning here; ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:1-25

Satisfaction amid life’s hardships (13:1-25)Parental advice is one of the benefits of life. Those who habitually ignore it will develop an attitude of scorning all opinions except their own (13:1). Good words bring a reward, but treacherous words can result in violence. Discipline in speech is necessary, because rash words lead to disaster (2-3). Discipline is necessary also in work and behaviour, otherwise a person’s life may end in ruin. Security is found in honesty (4-6).The poor might at... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 13:3

"He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life; But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.""He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his soul; but he that hath no guard on his speech shall meet with evils."[5] "He that keeps his own mouth keeps his own life: but he that is hasty with his lips shall bring terror upon himself."[6] read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 13:3

3. He . . . mouth . . . life—because evil speeches may provoke violence from others. he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction—On last clause, compare :-. read more

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