18 He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who utters slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the mind of the wicked is of little worth. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of 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.