18 Whoso is covering hatred with lying lips, And whoso is bringing out an evil report is a fool.
19 In the abundance of words transgression ceaseth not, And whoso is restraining his lips 'is' wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous 'is' chosen silver, The heart of the wicked—as a little thing. 21 The lips of the righteous delight many, And fools for lack of heart die.
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.