When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 10:19

Oh, how every single last one of us should pay attention to this verse, learn from it and obey it! If there is one thing we do not lack in the western culture, it is a lack of words! Eliza Doolittle said it so well…

Don’t we feel like shouting that at our TVs and phones sometimes! News shows are more shouting matches these days than actually reporting on news events. And sports castings is the worst! Networks now proffer 8-10 commentators on every single sport and every single game! Do they really think we care what each and every one of those ‘sports experts’ have to say? It’s the old adage that too many voices crowd out any one of the voices. We turn the volume off and talk amongst ourselves or leave the room to do something productive while waiting for the game to actually start. 

Our key verse for today doesn’t differentiate between wise words and foolish words. That’s interesting. So, even if we what we are saying is wise, there is a tipping point when it is too many wise words and, according to this verse, when we reach that point we are prone to sin! Whoa!

I am thinking the main point of this verse is that good ole’ down-to-earth godly wisdom not only knows what to say, but also knows when to say and just how much to actually say. 

My guess is, and sadly, my own experience is that when we say too many wise words, the foundational sin we are about to commit is…pride! Pride that we are just so wise and can articulate that wisdom so well that everyone must want to hear our many words. Or pride that we know we are wise…and…you are not; therefore, we will use many and extremely long wise words and say them slowly so that you might have a chance to understand, at least a little, the concept we are trying to convey.

Or the pride of just liking to hear ourselves talk!

How annoying!

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. 

Proverbs 17:28

For there are many words which increase futility.
What then is the advantage to a man?

Ecclesiastes 6:11

And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 

Matthew 6:7

So, I will take this good biblical advice and finish right here.