10:19

The underlined parallel parts contrast in meaning.

19a
When words are many, sin is unavoidable,

19b but he who restrains his lips is wise.

The parallelism is not exact. The first line implies that a person who talks a lot is not wise. The reason is that he is likely to sin against others by saying things that hurt or offend them. The second line implies that a person who keeps quiet is wise because he will not sin in this way.

Since these two lines contrast with each other, many versions connect them with the word “but.” However, the proverbs are meant to be understood as advice, so some versions translate either or both lines as commands. If you choose to translate that way, a word such as “but” may not be appropriate. For example, the Contemporary English Version (quoted in the note on 10:19b) introduces the second line with the word “so.” Connect the two lines in a natural way in your language.

10:19a

When words are many: This phrase refers to a situation in which someone talks a lot. It is implied that he talks too much.

sin is unavoidable: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “transgression will not cease.” This is probably a figure of speech (litotes). It uses a negative idea in order to emphasize the positive. Some other ways to express this positive emphasis are:

If you talk a lot, you are sure to sin (New Century Version)
-or-
Too much talk leads to sin. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. (Good News Translation)

sin: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sin is the same Hebrew word that was translated as “wrongs” in 10:12b. In this context, it refers to deliberately wronging or offending other people by saying things that are harmful, offensive or inappropriate. Some other ways to translate this idea are:

You will say the wrong thing (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
offence is never far away (Revised English Bible)

10:19b

but he who restrains his lips is wise: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as restrains his lips is an English idiom that means to refrain from speaking. This phrase means to restrain or control what one says. This may involve either limiting what one says or else remaining quiet. For example:

but the prudent are restrained in speech (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
so be sensible and watch what you say (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
If you are wise, you will keep quiet. (Good News Translation)

wise: The Hebrew word maśkil, which the Berean Standard Bible translates here as wise, means “wise,” “sensible,” or “prudent.” It is the same word that was used in 10:5a.

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