Loose Lips Sink . . . Holiness - Proverbs 10:19

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19

Talk to much?  If you do the Bible says that you are going to find transgression unavoidable.  Words can be wonderful things - but when we use too many of them they can also be dangerous things.

The writer of this proverb tells us that when there are many words that sin is unavoidable.  The word used here for transgression is "pesha" and it means to rebel against God and His laws.  I've noticed the more I talk - the more liable I am to say something that is contrary to what God says.  Another proverb speaks of those who love words - and who love the power of the tongue.  The warning given to them is that they will eat the fruit of this power.  What the Bible is trying to say to us is that limiting what we say is actually a wise thing to do. 

Think of all the times you've been involved in speaking to others and you wish you could get back some of the words that you spoke.  Either you said something foolish, or you hurt someone's feelings.  Whatever the situation, you really regret having spoken and wished that you didn't.  Taking the time to think about what you are about to say is a gift - and a wise practice.  Once something is said - it is difficult to take it back.

The wisdom given to us here is simply to restrain our lips.  The idea here is to hold something back.  Not everything that runs through our minds needs to reach our lips.  In fact much of what runs throughout our minds would be better left unsaid.  When we do this we are being wise.  Make the most of the words that you speak - and do all that you can to make sure that the ones you do use are spoken with great kindness and wisdom.  Remember, once it is said - you cannot un-say it.  Thus it is better to refrain from speaking altogether, rather than speak and then spend hours and possibly days and weeks trying to undo what you've done because you spoke when you should have remained silent.