Proverbs 21:23

Authorized King James Version

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שֹׁמֵ֖ר
Whoso keepeth
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#2
פִּ֭יו
his mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#3
וּלְשׁוֹנ֑וֹ
and his tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#4
שֹׁמֵ֖ר
Whoso keepeth
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#5
מִצָּר֣וֹת
from troubles
transitively, a female rival
#6
נַפְשֽׁוֹ׃
his soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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