John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life , etc.] He that keeps his mouth shut keeps it as with a bridle; keeps it from speaking things of other persons, particularly of such as are in high places, of kings and princes, and civil magistrates: he keeps himself quiet and comfortable; keeps himself from many troubles, which otherwise he would come into; keeps his life from danger, to which it would be exposed, should he speak evil of dignities, or give himself the freedom, as some do, whereby they are brought to an untimely end; (see Proverbs 18:21); besides, persons ought to be careful of their words, since by them a man will either be justified or condemned hereafter, ( Matthew 12:37); [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction ; or “consternation” f359 : he that is rash and inconsiderate, hasty with his lips, a talkative man; that speaks freely everything that comes into his mind, regardless of the characters of men, or consequences of things; is often brought into frights and fears, through the menaces and threatenings of men in power, whose characters he has made too free with, and oftentimes is brought to ruin and destruction: so he, whose throat is as an open sepulchre, belching out filthy words, horrid oaths, curses, and imprecations, destruction is near him, even in all his ways; and the man of sin, that opens his mouth in blasphemy against God, and his tabernacle, and his saints, shall go into perdition, ( Revelation 13:5,6 17:8).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 3 - He that thinks before he speaks, that suppresses evil if he have thought it, keeps his soul from a great deal both of guilt and grief Many a one is ruined by an ungoverned tongue.
Original Hebrew נצר5341 פיו6310 שׁמר8104 נפשׁו5315 פשׂק6589 שׂפתיו8193 מחתה׃4288
