Proverbs 10:19 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
The human tongue is extremely flexible, agile and quick. It can produce more than 90 words per minute, using 20 different sounds. The tongue, teeth and lips work together to produce sounds from the throat which becomes understandable words and sentences. Speaking too often, too loudly, too long and too fast can strain the vocal chords causing soreness in the throat. Take breaks; pause and speak softly.
The Bible teaches us, Let every man be quick to listen but slow to use his tongue, and slow to lose his temper (James 1:19a). Slow responses are not delayed responses but diligent replies. Reckless words are risky.
King Jehoshaphat was a God fearing King of Judah however his ungodly friendship with King Ahab, the King of Israel, put his life and the lives of his people at risk. (Ahab was the most evil and wicked king of Israel). Jehoshaphat visited Ahab and the idle visit led to useless conversations. During the visit, probably over a meal when Jehoshaphat was drunk, he gave Ahab a thoughtless promise; And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses” (vs 4). Ungodly ties and idle words entangled Jehoshaphat into a fierce battle and put his life on the line.
Jesus said, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” (Matthew 12:36). Idle words can push us into battles that are not even ours. Excessive talking or talking to impress others can unconsciously breakdown our safe boundaries and compromise values. Watch what you say when you sit around the tea table. Be slow to respond or comment. Think before you talk because what you say is like spilt milk that cannot be taken back.
Reckless words are risky:
1. Slow: Good listeners are wise and matured. “We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more and speak less.” Discipline the mind to become a good listener and slow talker. Wisdom should be shared only at the right time, right place and to the right audience. Listen more, talk less.
2. Succinct: Multiplicity of words breeds sin. Say what you have to say in a few words. A long pep talk is not necessary. A few wise words leave a lasting impact than many reckless words.
3. Silence: Silence speaks louder than words. If we are unsure about something, remain silent. It is perfectly alright to say, ‘let me pray and come back to you’, rather than committing to something that we are unclear and unsure of. Silence is a powerful tool that is seldom used. Silence makes us sober and wiser.
Bridle your tongue from speaking idle and reckless words. Don’t say anything that you don’t mean.
Think before your talk and choose your words. Silence is better than words.
Reckless words are risky.
Proverbs 21:23 “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles”.
Prayer: Father God, put a bridle over my tongue to refrain from unnecessary idle and reckless talk. Refine my thinking and my talking to speak with wisdom and knowledge. Amen.
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