Scripture · Old Testament
Proverbs 21:23
Proverbs 21:23 is verse 23 of Proverbs chapter 21, shown here in the Berean Standard Bible.
Berean Standard Bible
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.
King James Version
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
World English Bible
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
Read in context
Proverbs 21:21–25 · Berean Standard Bible
21 He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.
24 Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride.
25 The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work.
Read all of Proverbs 21Hebrew words
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Cross-references
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge lists these related verses. Scripture text comes from the Berean Standard Bible.
Proverbs 10:19When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 12:13An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.
Proverbs 13:3He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
Proverbs 17:27A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.
Proverbs 17:28Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 18:21Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
James 1:26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
James 3:2We 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 3:3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.
James 3:4Consider 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 3:5In 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 3:6The 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 3:7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,
James 3:8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:9With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.
James 3:10Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!
James 3:11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
James 3:12My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
James 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.