Be careful with your words

In the book of Proverbs, there are four verses about being careful with your tongue, namely: 10:19, 13:2-3, 14:23, and 25:11.

1. Talkativeness (10:19a, 14:23)

In interpersonal interactions, some people talk very little, while others talk non-stop. In between conversations, it is inevitable that there will be too much talking.

Proverbs 14:23 says, “All hard work pays off.” However, the topic changes and it says, “A talkative tongue leads to poverty.” It can be seen that having too many words is not a good thing. Proverbs 10:19 also says, “If you talk too much, you will inevitably make mistakes.” That is to say, if you talk too much, you will inevitably make mistakes. This all talks about the problem of too many words. It can be seen that having too many words in life is not a good thing.

2. The wisdom of prohibition (10:19b)

What is too much talking? In fact, there is no quantitative standard. Ten sentences is more, three sentences is less, and five or six sentences is just right. There is no such quantitative standard. So, why do you talk too much? It turns out that when a person says something, he or she means it. One sentence is too much for inappropriate words; therefore, if you don’t know what others mean, or you can’t express yourself correctly at all times, it’s better not to say anything.

Proverbs 10:19b, It is considered wise to keep your lips silent. If you don't know how to speak, and you keep talking, that's ignorance; if you don't know how to speak, you keep your lips silent, which is also a kind of wisdom.

3. You will surely enjoy good blessings (verses 13:2-3a, 25:11)

Proverbs 13:2-3a says this: “A man’s mouth is the source of The fruits you bear will bring you good blessings." The fruit of the mouth is good words, words that build people up, words that are beneficial to people. A wise and eloquent person speaks not words that make people bored, but words that make people willing to accept them and help them comfort them. In this way, as verse 25:11 says, “A word well spoken is like apples of gold in a net of silver.” Such words of edification, help and comfort will make people remember you and repay you when you are in need or when there is a suitable opportunity.

4. Summary

Therefore, you need to be careful when speaking. If you don’t say what you want to say, just say it casually. Before speaking, you must think through your brain. It is inappropriate and unedifying. Don’t speak to others; or if you think you are not very good at speaking, try to speak as little or as little as possible in front of others. In short, be careful with your words.