He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
He that keepeth his mouth (considering about what, with whom, in what manner, place, and time, he speaks, Gejer) keepeth his life: (but) he that openeth wide his lips (rashly and inconsiderately babbling out whatever enters his mind) shall have destruction - (Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 12:23.) "Keepeth" - namely, as watchmen keep the city gates to prevent the enemy entering (Psalms 141:3). We should keep our mouth from uncharitable, idle, rash, hasty, and passionate words. "Keepeth his life," not only of the body, but of the soul (Matthew 12:32-37); 'Misfortune is the end of an unbridled mouth' (Euripides).