โ€œWhere there is much talk there will be no end to sin, but he who keeps his mouth shut does wiselyโ€ Proverbs 10:19 BBE

What?! You mean talking too much is a harbouring ground for sin? ๐Ÿ˜ฎYep!

Weโ€™ve seen briefly in previous posts that wisdom links with knowledge and understanding; the following verses aptly link these three virtues in relation to restraining our lips as follows:

โ€œWhoever has knowledge controls his words, and a person who has understanding is even-tempered. Even a stubborn fool is thought to be wise if he keeps silent. He is considered intelligent if he keeps his lips sealed.โ€ Proverbs 17:27-28 GW

Back to todayโ€™s text, which is rendered in KJV as: 

โ€œIn the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.โ€

Checking the meaning of the word translated โ€œrefrainethโ€, there are several meanings which apply as attitudes of the wise: 

  1. To hold back is to hesitate to speak; a person can perhaps choose this course of action when they think that talking could make them say the wrong things at that time (Proverbs 19:2).
  2. To reserve means to retain for future use; a person could perhaps choose this course of action if itโ€™s best to hear from other sources before speaking on a matter (Proverbs 18:17).
  3. To spare is to frugally use their words; a person can choose this course of action when they recall that words can breed anger which is not a harbouring ground for righteousness (James 1:19-20).

There are various passages in Scripture that lists the benefits and/or consequences of our speech:

  1. Guarding our speech is a means to enjoying true life and good days (1 Peter 3:10).
  2. Guarding our speech is a means to preserving our lives (Prov 13:3; 18:21)
  3. Guarding our speech can save us from avoidable troubles (Prov 21:23)
  4. Unguarded speech can lead to death (Prov 18:21; 29:20)
  5. Words used rightly can build others up; the converse also applies (Eph 4:29; Col 4:6)
  6. On judgement day, our speech would be the basis on which we are condemned or acquitted (Matthew 12:36-37).

This was a lot huh? ๐Ÿ˜… Godโ€™s grace is available to and for us ๐Ÿค—

Letโ€™s pray with the Psalmist ๐Ÿ™

โ€œLORD, help me control what I say. Don’t let me say anything bad.โ€ ERV Ps 141:3

In Jesusโ€™ name, amen.

#PneumaWord #WordSnippets #AttitudesOfTheWise