Proverbs 13:3

Modern

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

Traditional

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Literal

One guarding his mouth is keeping his soul; one opening his lips, destruction is unto him.

Latin

Qui custodit os suum custodit animam suam; qui autem inconsideratus est ad loquendum, sentiet mala.

Hebrew

English

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

Controlling what you say shows wisdom (see James 3:1–12).

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.
Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:7
A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
James 3:2–12
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.
Psalm 39:1
For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. 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 12:36–37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
Proverbs 20:19
He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.
Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
Proverbs 12:13
An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.