“When there are many words, wrongdoing is unavoidable,But one who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).
If you have been given ‘the silent treatment’ lately, then you also know that ‘when there is a lack of words, wrongdoing is unavoidable.’ Too much silence can drive you mad. The point being that the word-count is secondary to the word-quality. But us being us, the more we talk, the more we get bogged down in sin.Everyone has a friend who talks too much. Their many words are harmless enough, and all being well, they can bring entertainment to an otherwise mundane day. Everyone also has an enemy who talks too much. They irritate us no-end and we long to excuse ourselves from their presence. Surely, this proverb is for them?Not so! This common sense saying is designed to help you and me (personally) along the road to spiritual maturity. Jesus adds to the thought by stating that the sum total of our words is in direct proportion to the content of our heart (Matthew 12:34).He also warns us that it is by our words that we will be either justified or condemned in the presence of God (Matthew 12:37).Words matter. They bless and they condemn. They build up and they tear down.It is therefore wise to consider the desired outcome of our words before we speak them.I like this translation:“You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much— so be sensible and watch what you say” (CEV).Life is to be lived, not just talked about. When talk replaces productive Christian deeds, it becomes hollow and destructive. Gossip, silly talk, and coarse jesting all have this in common: They never add value to anything.An encouraging word, an apt reply and an insight from the Word all have this in common: They always add value to everything. John staigerIf you have been blessed by this message, please feel free to: Like, Comment or Share it with your friends.
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