In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, and speaking at length readily leads to sin, especially when talk runs on without restraint. He who refrains his lips and restrains his tongue, even by keeping silent, is wise. Careless and foolish talk can hinder others who are trying to think soberly and do right.
Careless and untamable talk leads to exaggeration and false witness, repeatedly breaking God's commandment even without intending to do wrong, and for this the heart must be sanctified by truth. Complaints, accusations, and repeating small matters can become false witness, sowing doubt and criticism and creating enmity. Careless speech that distorts others' words and faults and makes unjust accusations sows envy, jealousy, suspicion, hatred, and strife.
Speaking at length does not give praise to Christ, and a great amount of worldly talk denies Him. Keeping company and talking much with friends who have no fear of God shows friendship with the world and becomes a snare to parents and children. It leads to pride in dress and following worldly fashion, and draws the mind away from God instead of leading to secret prayer for love and grace. It sets an example that encourages children to live with heedless presumption, without fixed religious principles, without regard for the Sabbath and the claims of God, without love for Christian duties, and straying farther from light, peace, and joy.
Restraining the tongue is pleasing to God. When traveling where private prayer is not possible, the verse calls for silent prayer and keeping thoughts focused on God rather than letting thoughts and words follow those around. There and everywhere, Christ is professed through conversation, sobriety, and conduct.
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, and speaking at length readily leads to sin, especially when talk runs on without restraint. He who refrains his lips and restrains his tongue, even by keeping silent, is wise. Careless and foolish talk can hinder others who are trying to think soberly and do right.
Careless and untamable talk leads to exaggeration and false witness, repeatedly breaking God's commandment even without intending to do wrong, and for this the heart must be sanctified by truth. Complaints, accusations, and repeating small matters can become false witness, sowing doubt and criticism and creating enmity. Careless speech that distorts others' words and faults and makes unjust accusations sows envy, jealousy, suspicion, hatred, and strife.
Speaking at length does not give praise to Christ, and a great amount of worldly talk denies Him. Keeping company and talking much with friends who have no fear of God shows friendship with the world and becomes a snare to parents and children. It leads to pride in dress and following worldly fashion, and draws the mind away from God instead of leading to secret prayer for love and grace. It sets an example that encourages children to live with heedless presumption, without fixed religious principles, without regard for the Sabbath and the claims of God, without love for Christian duties, and straying farther from light, peace, and joy.
Restraining the tongue is pleasing to God. When traveling where private prayer is not possible, the verse calls for silent prayer and keeping thoughts focused on God rather than letting thoughts and words follow those around. There and everywhere, Christ is professed through conversation, sobriety, and conduct.