* Have Knowledge, Use Words with Restraint *
"The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered." (Proverbs 17:27)
The sin of using words in a careless manner (that is, talkativeness or chattering) is one of those "little foxes" that can "spoil the vines" of an otherwise godly lifestyle-
"Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom." (Song of Songs 2:15)
The Scriptures frequently caution us against it. For example, Solomon in his God-given wisdom warned as follows:
"Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues." (Proverbs 10:19)
In fact, Solomon frequently returns to this theme.
"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
The apostles in the New Testament also stress how important it is for Believers to control their tongues.
Too much talk can easily lead to gossiping or criticizing or even coercive in speech.
James reminds us in his epistle-
"My dear brothers, take not of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." James also goes on and says- "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among part of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." (James 1:19; 3:6)
Paul says to, Study that is, diligently strive, to lead a quiet life. "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you." (1 Thessalonians 4:11)
To avoid foolish talk- "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."(Ephesians 5:4)
When we do speak, our words should center on the things that edify- "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that may benefit those who listen. is." "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6)
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself warned against this sin of talkativeness.
"But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
(Matthew 12:36-37)
Such standards may seem impossible to meet, but we should always strive to meet them, for Christ is our example-
"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21)
Passages of Scripture are from the New International Version Bible (NIV).........................
"The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered." (Proverbs 17:27)
The sin of using words in a careless manner (that is, talkativeness or chattering) is one of those "little foxes" that can "spoil the vines" of an otherwise godly lifestyle-
"Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom." (Song of Songs 2:15)
The Scriptures frequently caution us against it. For example, Solomon in his God-given wisdom warned as follows:
"Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues." (Proverbs 10:19)
In fact, Solomon frequently returns to this theme.
"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
The apostles in the New Testament also stress how important it is for Believers to control their tongues.
Too much talk can easily lead to gossiping or criticizing or even coercive in speech.
James reminds us in his epistle-
"My dear brothers, take not of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." James also goes on and says- "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among part of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." (James 1:19; 3:6)
Paul says to, Study that is, diligently strive, to lead a quiet life. "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you." (1 Thessalonians 4:11)
To avoid foolish talk- "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."(Ephesians 5:4)
When we do speak, our words should center on the things that edify- "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that may benefit those who listen. is." "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6)
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself warned against this sin of talkativeness.
"But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
(Matthew 12:36-37)
Such standards may seem impossible to meet, but we should always strive to meet them, for Christ is our example-
"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21)
Passages of Scripture are from the New International Version Bible (NIV).........................
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