Proverbs 10:19

When words abound, transgression is inevitable, ¹  but the one who restrains ²  his words ³  is wise.

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!

The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words.

Where there is much talk there will be no end to sin, but he who keeps his mouth shut does wisely.

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but the prudent are restrained in speech.

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

When words abound, transgression is inevitable, ¹  but the one who restrains ²  his words ³  is wise.

¹ tn Heb “does not cease.” It is impossible to avoid sinning in an abundance of words – sooner or later one is bound to say something wrong.

² tn Or “holds his lips under control.” The verb חָשַׂךְ (khasakh) means “to withhold; to restrain; to hold in check” (BDB 362 s.v.). The related Arabic term is used in reference to placing a piece of wood in the mouth of a goat to prevent it from sucking (HALOT 359 s.v. חשׂךְ).

³ tn Heb “his lips” (so KJV, NAB, NASB); NIV “his tongue.” The term “lips” is a metonymy of cause for speech.