Proverbs 10:19–21: In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.
Insight
There is also the sin of vain babbling. The fool talks forever about nothing, not because he is full, but because he is empty; not in order to give instruction, but for the pure love of talking. One meets with people in the world who never seem to have made the wise man’s observation that ‘there is a time to keep silence.’ These times, one would think, should be easily discerned by everybody; namely, when a man has nothing to say, or nothing but what is better unsaid.” The government of the tongue is, therefore, a searching test of the soundness of our religion. Since the sin is linked to many … words, it is surely wise to hold our tongue—not in silence, but in caution; to weigh our words before uttering them; never speaking except when we have something to say; speaking only just enough; considering the time, the person, and the circumstances. 1
Application
If you have spoken inappropriately recently, ask Him and then them, for forgiveness.
Motivation
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. Matthew 12:35
Measure your words before you speak, or you will speak miserably. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please guard my heart and my lips from evil thoughts and words.
1. Bridges, C. (2001). Proverbs (pp. 72–73). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
