When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Message: Better to be silent than speak
Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.
What the Lord is Saying: Wisdom and Transgression is the contrast today and the mouth and speaking are at the forefront of this proverb. The mouth has been mentioned thus far in verse 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, an 18. It definitely will be a common theme I think in Proverbs. The mouth conceals violence, babbles, can be discerning, can be foolish, and spreads slander. There is much caution in how our mouths are used. Today, the concern is simply one who speaks many words. Perhaps with so many warnings about the danger of speaking, it follows that a person that speaks a lot could be more susceptible to problems with their mouth. Here, the transgression or sin or offense is unavoidable. Therefore, restrain your lips. That is interesting in itself because wisdom I think is seen and to be seen it must be voiced and to be voiced is to speak words. Yet, it is the one that does not speak that is showing wisdom. Better to not speak than to say something that might get you into trouble.
Various translations - Vice
NIV - Sin is not ended by multiplying words
NLT - Too much talk leads to sin
ESV - When words are many, transgression is not lacking
CEV - You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much
Good News - The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin
Various translations - Virtue
NIV - the prudent hold their tongues
NLT - Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
ESV - whoever restrains his lips is prudent
CEV - be sensible and watch what you say
Good News - If you are wise, you will keep quiet
Jesus says (Matthew 12:36), "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment."
Matthew Henry comments that a person needs to check oneself. Perhaps that is what is needed at times, to think before one speaks. It is almost saying that given a choice between speaking and not speaking, it is more sensible to not speak at all.
Ecclesiastes 5:3, "...the voice of a fool [comes] through many words."
Prayer: God, at times I am more silent. I see this more often though in a company of prominent people and often when I do not have as much confidence in what I could say. In school, I remember often being cared to speak, thinking I might stumble, not ever wanting to be called upon, for fear that I would say the wrong thing. I know it is important to speak, but help me God to restrain my tongue and remember I don't have to speak. Sometimes it is better to not interject a word and let things fall as they will. I so regret all of the words I spoke with the children in the house while they were growing up. I wish my words would have been less. Help me to realize that is not only many words, but the wrong words that get spoken as well that result in problems. And it is not only my outward words which I need to check but my inner words. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross and covering my sin of my many words. Heal those that have been hurt by them. Be glorified. In Christ I pray. Amen.
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