“In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.”
— WEB
Cited in 4 topics on this site.
Translations sourced from the public-domain WEB, KJV, and ASV. See all sources.
“In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.”
— WEB
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
— KJV
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely.”
— ASV
We are here admonished concerning the government of the tongue, that necessary duty of a Christian. 1. It is good to say little, because in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, or sin doth not cease. Usually, those that speak much speak much amiss, and among many words there cannot but be many idle words, which they must shortly give an account of. Those that love to hear themselves talk do not consider what work they are making for repentance; for that will be wanted, and first or last will be had, where there wanteth not sin. 2. It is therefore good to keep our mouth as with a bridle: He that refrains his lips, that often checks himself, suppresses what he has thought, and holds in that which would transpire, is a wise man; it is an evidence of his wisdom, and he therein consults his own peace. Little said is soon amended, Amo 5:13; Jam 1:19.
— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary (public domain)
Much speech involves risk of sin; hence the wisdom of restraining the tongue (Psa 39:1; Jam 1:26).
— Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary (public domain)
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