Proverbs 10:19

“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, etc.] Where a great deal is said, without care and forethought, there will not only be many weak things uttered, but much falsehood, and at least many idle things, which cannot be excused from sin; not but that much and long speaking may be to great profit and advantage, when it is with care and judgment, and founded on close meditation and study. Or, “sin ceaseth not”f278; along with a torrent of words is a flow of sin, which ceases not as long as that continues: it is a saying of the Jewish Rabbins, “he that multiplies words brings on or brings unto sin;” but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise; lays a restraint on his mouth, bridles his…”

“Much speech involves risk of sin; hence the wisdom of restraining the tongue (Psa 39:1; Jam 1:26).”

“There wanteth not sin - Some render this, “Sin shall not cease,” etc., i. e., many words do not mend a fault. Silence on the part both of the reprover and the offender is often better. The King James Version is, however, preferable. return to 'Top of Page'”

“10:19 Those who talk too much show their ignorance and get in trouble (see also 10:17; 13:3; 17:28).”

“the multitude: Ecc 5:3, Ecc 10:13, Ecc 10:14; Jam 3:2 but: Pro 17:27, Pro 17:28; Psa 39:1; Jam 1:19, Jam 3:2 Proverbs 10:20”

“19 In a multitude of words transgression is not wanting; But he who restrains his lips shows wisdom. We do not, with Bertheau, understand 19a: by many words a transgression does not cease to be what it is; the contrast 19b requires a more general condemnation of the multitude of words, and חדל not only means to cease from doing (to leave off), and to cease from being (to take away), but also not at all to do (to intermit, Eze 3:11; Zac 11:12), and not at all to be (to fail, to be absent), thus: ubi verborum est abundantia non deest peccatum (Fl.). Michaelis suitably compares πολυλογία πολλὰ σφάλματα ἒχει by Stobus, and כל המרבה דברים מביא חטא in the tractate Aboth i. 17, wherewith Rashi…”