Proverbs 13:3
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
Original Language Analysis
נֹצֵ֣ר
He that keepeth
H5341
נֹצֵ֣ר
He that keepeth
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
1 of 8
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
פִּ֭יו
his mouth
H6310
פִּ֭יו
his mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
2 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
keepeth
H8104
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
keepeth
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
his life
H5315
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
his life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
פֹּשֵׂ֥ק
but he that openeth wide
H6589
פֹּשֵׂ֥ק
but he that openeth wide
Strong's:
H6589
Word #:
5 of 8
to dispart (the feet or lips), i.e., become licentious
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
his lips
H8193
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
his lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
6 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
Cross References
Proverbs 21:23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.Proverbs 18:21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.Proverbs 18:7A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.Psalms 39:1I 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.Proverbs 10:19In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.Proverbs 20:19He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.James 1:26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.Proverbs 12:13The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
Historical Context
In courts and councils, careless speech could result in death sentences or political downfall. Even in daily life, unguarded words destroyed relationships and reputations.
Questions for Reflection
- How carefully do you consider your words before speaking?
- What recent rash speech brought negative consequences you could have avoided?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Guarding speech preserves life, while rash talk invites destruction. The mouth's control demonstrates self-discipline reflecting the Spirit's fruit. Unbridled speech reveals ungoverned heart, while measured words show wisdom's restraint.