Proverbs 13:3

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Proverbs 13:1–5 · Berean Standard Bible

1 A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence.

3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

4 The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.

5 The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

Hebrew words

Data created by STEPBible.org based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).

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Cross-references

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge lists these related verses. Scripture text comes from the Berean Standard Bible.

Proverbs 10:19

When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 12:13

An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.

Proverbs 21:23

He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

Psalms 39:1

I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.”

Matthew 12:36

But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

Matthew 12:37

For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

James 1:26

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

James 3:2

We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.

James 3:3

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.

James 3:4

Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined.

James 3:5

In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.

James 3:6

The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

James 3:7

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,

James 3:8

but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:9

With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.

James 3:10

Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!

James 3:11

Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

James 3:12

My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.