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Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lipsis wise.

Proverbs 12:13
The wicked is snared by the transgression ofhis lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

Proverbs 13:3
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life:but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

keeps his soul from distress
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 asEphesians 4:29, 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 (Proverbs 3:13-18).

- The verse starts with personal responsibility: no one else can police our lips for us. Like a sentry posted at a gate, we actively decide what enters and exits.

- Scripture pictures this vigilant stance elsewhere: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).

- Proverbs returns to the theme again and again—“He who guards his mouth protects his life” (Proverbs 13:3)—underscoring that the duty is continuous, not one-time.

- Guarding is proactive, not merely reactive. We pre-decide godly boundaries, rather than scrambling after careless words escape.

- The “mouth” is the primary outlet of the heart. Jesus reminds us, “The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart” (Matthew 15:18).

- A controlled mouth:

• limits word-count—“When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).

• offers life-giving speech—“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).

• chooses timing—“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).

- Solomon doubles the language to stress total verbal self-control; the tongue shapes tone, intensity, and direction of our words.

- James illustrates the tongue’s outsized power: “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts great things… The tongue also is a fire” (James 3:5-6).

- A bridled tongue indicates genuine faith: “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart” (James 1:26).

- Practical checkpoints for the tongue:

• Is it true?

• Is it loving?

• Is it necessary right now?

- The payoff is internal. Words don’t just hurt others; reckless speech ricochets and wounds the speaker’s own soul.

- “The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips” (Proverbs 16:23); wisdom inside produces safety inside.

- By guarding speech we protect our testimony, our conscience, and our fellowship with God—assets far more valuable than momentary verbal victories.

- “Distress” covers the turmoil that erupts after foolish words: broken relationships, regret, discipline, even danger.

- Proverbs paints the contrast: “An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble” (Proverbs 12:13).

- Peter echoes the promise for New-Covenant believers: “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil” (1 Peter 3:10).

- Guarded speech averts quarrels (Proverbs 15:1), spares us legal or financial fallout (Proverbs 17:18-20), and preserves peace of mind.

Proverbs 21:23 gives a simple equation: disciplined speech equals protected soul. Setting a vigilant watch over mouth and tongue honors God, shields our inner life, and frees us from needless turmoil. Living this verse means choosing words prayerfully, speaking less but with more purpose, and trusting that God’s wisdom always spares us the grief our unchecked tongues would invite.