In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
When there are too many words, sin is sure to be found, but the person who holds back their words is wise.
This verse teaches that talking too much often leads to saying something wrong, while knowing when to stay quiet shows wisdom.
📚 Historical Context
Proverbs was written by King Solomon around 900 BC as part of Israel's wisdom literature, which provided practical guidance for living a godly life in a world full of moral challenges. In the cultural context of ancient Near Eastern societies, words were considered powerful and potentially destructive, so this proverb highlights the risks of excessive speech as a common theme in wisdom teachings. The book of Proverbs draws from everyday observations to instruct people on achieving wisdom through self-control and reverence for God.
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