Proverbs (Part 130) - Pro 10:19

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19. Pro 10:19 – "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise." A. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: i. Definitions a. Multitude n. – 1. The character, quality, or condition of being many; numerousness; great number. b. Want v. – 1. a. intr. To be lacking or missing; not to exist; not to be forthcoming; to be deficient in quantity or degree. c. Sin n. – 1. An act which is regarded as a transgression of the divine law and an offence against God; a violation (esp. willful or deliberate) of some religious or moral principle. d. In other words, when a great number or words are spoken there will be no lack of sin. e. Said another way, if one talks too much, sin will invariably result. ii. There are a number of ways in which speaking many words leads to sin. a. Much talking often leads to gossiping about others which leads to whispering and backbiting which is sin (Rom 1:29-30). b. Much talking often leads to getting too comfortable with other conversers and then sinning with our lips via dirty jokes, flirting, sexual innuendo, or saying other things which should not be uttered (Col 3:8). c. Much talking, especially when angry, can lead to railing, reviling, and cursing others, which is sin (Jam 3:8-10). d. Much talking can lead to divulging private information which was to be kept secret (Pro 11:13; Pro 20:19; Pro 12:23). e. Large legislative bills nearly always contain evil which is hidden among their multitude of words (Psa 94:20). iii. A fool is known for his multitude of words (Ecc 5:3; Ecc 10:14). iv. Speaking too much leads to sin which leads to destruction (Pro 13:3). v. If we keep our mouths we will keep our souls from trouble (Pro 21:23). B. but he that refraineth his lips is wise. i. Definitions a. Refrain v. – 1. To restrain, hold back, check (a person or thing). b. refl. To restrain, put restraint upon (oneself); to repress any manifestation of emotion, impatience, etc. b. Wise adj. – 1. a. Having or exercising sound judgement or discernment; capable of judging truly concerning what is right or fitting, and disposed to act accordingly; having the ability to perceive and adopt the best means for accomplishing an end; characterized by good sense and prudence. Opp. to foolish. c. A man who has sound judgment, discernment, good sense, and prudence will restrain and hold back himself, his emotions, and his words. ii. Holding one's peace is a sign of wisdom (Job 13:5). iii. Wise men let their words be few (Ecc 5:2). iv. Fools say everything they are thinking, but wise men refrain from doing so (Pro 14:33; Pro 29:11). v. He that hath knowledge spares his words (Pro 17:27-28). vi. We should be quick to hear and slow to speak (Jam 1:19). vii. Here is a sampling of the advice given by wise men over the years concerning talking. a. "In fact, it is generally found, that those who have the most discourse have the least knowledge. Words are too often the substitute for thinking, rather than the medium of thought." - Charles Bridges, Ecclesiastes, p. 251 b. "It is not a severe criticism to say that there are ministers whose words stand in a very large proportion to their thoughts." - Charles Spurgeon c. "Empty wagons make more noise than full and weighty ones." - Elder Leon Clevenger d. "Great people talk about ideas, average people talk about themselves, and small people talk about others." - John C. Maxwell e. "Most of the successful people I've known are the ones who do more listening than talking." - Bernard M. Baruch f. "The word 'listen' contains the same letters as the word 'silent.' - Alfred Brendel g. "When you have nothing to say, say nothing." - Charles Caleb Colton h. "Not every person that speaks less than you do is more ignorant than you are." - Unknown i. "Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something." – Plato j. "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt." - Unknown k. "Silence is wisdom when speaking is folly." - Unknown C. In summary, don't be a babbler, blabber, blabbermouth, blowhard, cackler, chatterbox, chatterer, gabbler, gasbag, jabberer, jay, magpie, motormouth, prattler, incessant talker, or a windbag.