Verse 3

He who keeps a watch on his mouth keeps his life; but he whose lips are open wide will have destruction.

Referenced Verses

• Prov 21:23 : 23 He who keeps watch over his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
• Jas 3:2-9 : 2 For we all go wrong in a number of things. If a man never makes a slip in his talk, then he is a complete man and able to keep all his body in control. 3 Now if we put bits of iron into horses' mouths so that they may be guided by us, we have complete control of their bodies. 4 And again ships, though they are so great and are moved by violent winds, are turned by a very small guiding-blade, at the impulse of the man who is using it. 5 Even so the tongue is a small part of the body, but it takes credit for great things. How much wood may be lighted by a very little fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire; it is the power of evil placed in our bodies, making all the body unclean, putting the wheel of life on fire, and getting its fire from hell. 7 For every sort of beast and bird and every living thing on earth and in the sea has been controlled by man and is under his authority; 8 But the tongue may not be controlled by man; it is an unresting evil, it is full of the poison of death. 9 With it we give praise to our Lord and Father; and with it we put a curse on men who are made in God's image. 10 Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, it is not right for these things to be so. 11 Does the fountain send from the same outlet sweet and bitter water? 12 Is a fig-tree able to give us olives, my brothers, or do we get figs from a vine, or sweet water from the salt sea?
• Prov 18:7 : 7 The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
• Prov 18:21 : 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
• Prov 12:13 : 13 In the sin of the lips is a net which takes the sinner, but the upright man will come out of trouble.
• Matt 12:36-37 : 36 And I say to you that in the day when they are judged, men will have to give an account of every foolish word they have said. 37 For by your words will your righteousness be seen, and by your words you will be judged.
• Jas 1:26 : 26 If a man seems to have religion and has no control over his tongue but lets himself be tricked by what is false, this man's religion is of no value.
• Prov 20:19 : 19 He who goes about talking of the business of others gives away secrets: so have nothing to do with him whose lips are open wide.
• Ps 39:1 : 1 <To the chief music-maker. Of Jeduthun. A Psalm. Of David.> I said, I will give attention to my ways, so that my tongue may do no wrong; I will keep my mouth under control, while the sinner is before me.
• Prov 10:19 : 19 Where there is much talk there will be no end to sin, but he who keeps his mouth shut does wisely.