READING: Proverbs 8:1-10:32
Sometimes we just talk too much. The “lips of the righteous” (Prov 10:21) bring blessing and guidance—for which we must be grateful—but it is often wiser to be careful what we say. Indeed, the use of too many words can lead to sin: “When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is prudent” (Prov 10:19). As one Bible commentator put it, “The more one talks, the greater the risk of saying what is inappropriate.”* Exaggerating , bragging, and speaking immorally are crouching at the door (Gen 4:7) when we talk too much.
On the other hand, the one who is wise controls his lips. Again, I appreciate the words of another writer (this time in a 19th century work): the prudent man controlling his lips “forbeareth to utter what cometh into his mind, before he hath weighed whether it be true and fit to be spoken or not.”** In other words, wise followers of God think before they speak.
Quietly and internally thinking before speaking can save a lot of hurt. Keep that truth in mind as you gather with others for worship this Lord’s Day.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you talk too much? Think before you speak?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, teach me to know when to remain silent and when to speak.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 11:1-13:25
————-
* Smith, J. E. (1996). The wisdom literature and Psalms (p. 538). College Press Pub. Co.
** Poole, M. (1853). Annotations upon the Holy Bible (Vol. 2, p. 232). Robert Carter and Brothers.
