18 Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool.
19 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
20 The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. 21 The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 10:18-21
Commentary on Proverbs 10:18
(Read Proverbs 10:18)
He is especially a fool who thinks to hide anything from God; and malice is no better.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:19
(Read Proverbs 10:19)
Those that speak much, speak much amiss. He that checks himself is a wise man, and therein consults his own peace.
Commentary on Proverbs 10:20-21
(Read Proverbs 10:20-21)
The tongue of the just is sincere, freed from the dross of guile and evil design. Pious discourse is spiritual food to the needy. Fools die for want of a heart, so the word is; for want of thought.