Proverbs 12:13 - Exposition

The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips; rather, in the transgression of the lips is an evil snare ( Proverbs 18:7 ). A man by speaking unadvisedly or intemperately brings trouble upon himself, involves himself in difficulties which he did not foresee. Often when he has spoken in order to injure others, the slander or the censure has redounded on himself (comp. Psalms 7:15 , Psalms 7:16 ; Psalms 9:16 ). The just; the man who does not offend with his lips, avoids these snares. The Septuagint here introduces a couplet not found in the Hebrew: "He who looketh gently ( ὁ βλέπων λεῖα ) shall obtain mercy; but he who frequents the gates [or, 'contends in the gates,' συναντῶν ἐν πύλαις ] will harass souls." This seems to mean the man who is calm and considerate for others will himself be treated with pity and consideration ( Matthew 5:7 ); but he who is a gossip, or a busybody, or litigious, will be always vexing his neighbours.