21:23

This proverb describes the results of guarding one’s speech. It is also an implied warning. It warns people to be careful with what they say in order to avoid trouble.

23a He who guards his mouth and his tongue

23b keeps his soul from distress.

21:23a

He who guards his mouth and tongue: There are two figures of speech (metonymy) in the phrase his mouth and tongue. Both the mouth and the tongue represent the words that the person speaks.

These two figures of speech often occur in parallel lines. Here they both occur in the same line. This probably emphasizes that the person needs to be very careful in what he says. He should not speak without thinking.

Some other ways to translate this part of the verse are:

Those who are careful about what they say (New Century Version)
-or-
A person who thinks carefully before he speaks

21:23b

keeps his soul from distress: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “keeps/preserves his soul/self from troubles.” The plural word “troubles” indicates a variety of difficulties. They may be legal troubles or problems with relationships in the community.

keep themselves out of trouble (New Century Version)
-or-
can save you a lot of trouble (Contemporary English Version)

General Comment on 21:23a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to change the order of these two verse parts. For example:

If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say. (Good News Translation)

See also 21:23a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.

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