"When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent."
Proverbs 10:19 (ESV)
Let me first say that this verse is a preacher's nightmare. As someone who was hired to "speak", this verse causes 'fear and trembling'.
But can this verse really be true? I'm afraid it is (...and I say this from first-hand experience). If a person speaks long enough, eventually evil will come out.
I once spent much time with an older gentleman who was entering into advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. The disease wore away at his natural inhibitions (i.e. our natural "common sense" that helps us refrain from doing or saying things we or others find objectionable). Even though this man lived a life of faithful to God, and was an example to many, his last years were spent voicing his sexual fantasies and making suggestive comments to the nursing staff. Everyone patiently understood and graciously dealt with the situation, and few would blame this man for his words & actions. Yet, his words revealed something that was deep inside his heart. As he lost his inhibitions, his heart was finally revealed.
While few of us are as extreme in giving a voice to the sin in our hearts, sin has a way of finding an exit. It refuses to stay hidden deep within us. It wants all of us. The tongue is a most useful organ for sin. Sin knows the more the tongue is used, it is only a manner of time before it will escape.
Remember the last time you lost your temper? ...told a lie? ...participated in gossip? ...laughed at, or even told, an off-color joke? In all of these instances, your tongue allowed your heart to escape.
Guard your heart, and hold your tongue. If you do these things, you are on the path to true wisdom.
But can this verse really be true? I'm afraid it is (...and I say this from first-hand experience). If a person speaks long enough, eventually evil will come out.
I once spent much time with an older gentleman who was entering into advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. The disease wore away at his natural inhibitions (i.e. our natural "common sense" that helps us refrain from doing or saying things we or others find objectionable). Even though this man lived a life of faithful to God, and was an example to many, his last years were spent voicing his sexual fantasies and making suggestive comments to the nursing staff. Everyone patiently understood and graciously dealt with the situation, and few would blame this man for his words & actions. Yet, his words revealed something that was deep inside his heart. As he lost his inhibitions, his heart was finally revealed.
While few of us are as extreme in giving a voice to the sin in our hearts, sin has a way of finding an exit. It refuses to stay hidden deep within us. It wants all of us. The tongue is a most useful organ for sin. Sin knows the more the tongue is used, it is only a manner of time before it will escape.
Remember the last time you lost your temper? ...told a lie? ...participated in gossip? ...laughed at, or even told, an off-color joke? In all of these instances, your tongue allowed your heart to escape.
Guard your heart, and hold your tongue. If you do these things, you are on the path to true wisdom.
Prayer
Merciful Father,
You created my tongue to bring you praise,
and to edify others.
I have defiled it,
and thereby brought
dishonor to you.
Teach me to hold my tongue.
Amen
Merciful Father,
You created my tongue to bring you praise,
and to edify others.
I have defiled it,
and thereby brought
dishonor to you.
Teach me to hold my tongue.
Amen
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