King James Version
Proverbs 13:3 in the King James Version says “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
Proverbs 13:3 · KJV
A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
A righteous man hateth lying : but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“He that keepeth”
H5341to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
“his mouth”
H6310the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
“keepeth”
H8104properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
“his life”
H5315properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
“his lips”
H8193the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
“shall have destruction”
H4288properly, a dissolution; concretely, a ruin, or (abstractly) consternation
This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Proverbs 13:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Proverbs 13:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge