Proverbs 10:19 (BSB)

When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

From Proverbs 10. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 10:19

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 10:19: We are here admonished concerning the government of the tongue, that necessary duty of a Christian. 1. It is good to say little, because in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, or sin doth not cease. Usually, those that speak much speak much amiss, and among many words there cannot but be many idle words, which they must shortly give an account of.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 10:19: In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin,.... Where a great deal is said, without care and forethought, there will not only be many weak things uttered, but much falsehood, and at least many idle things, which cannot be excused from sin; not but that much and long speaking may be to great profit and advantage, when it is with care and judgment, and...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 10:19: Much speech involves risk of sin; hence the wisdom of restraining the tongue (Psa 39:1; Jam 1:26).
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 10:19: Pro 10:19 19 In a multitude of words transgression is not wanting; But he who restrains his lips shows wisdom. We do not, with Bertheau, understand 19a: by many words a transgression does not cease to be what it is; the contrast 19b requires a more general condemnation of the multitude of words, and חדל not only means to cease from doing (to leave off)...