READING: Proverbs 8-13
Some people talk a lot. A whole lot. A whole lot too much, actually.
The writer of Proverbs speaks much about talk. In today’s reading, his word is simple: “When there are many words, sin is unavoidable” (Prov 10:19). That wording can take us in several directions. When we just keep talking, it seems we risk sinning with each successive word. In the words of Matthew Henry, “Usually, those that speak much speak much amiss, and among many words there cannot but be many idle words, which they must shortly give an account of.”*
In some cases, our desire to talk more is really a desire to hear ourselves more and impress others even more—and that’s only ego. This proverb is also a reminder that it’s not always wise to listen to the person who talks the most; sometimes the wisest one is the quiet one. Sometimes the quiet one is the most godly.
Today, my desire is to be quiet before speaking, brief when speaking, and humble when finished speaking. Would you voice a prayer for me today along these lines?
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you ever guilty of talking too much? If you’re not sure, ask someone who knows you well and loves you enough to be honest.
DAILY PRAYER: “God, guard my voice and my words today.”
MONDAY’S READING: Proverbs 14-19
* Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume(p. 976). Hendrickson.
