Are you talking too much? Remember the power of words

I have been reading Proverbs. It turns out that I am a natural. I have a knack for getting this Bible behavior down without any effort at all.

Don’t be jealous, seriously. I bet you are a natural too.

The problem I am finding, the natural behavior seems to come by way of what I want to avoid. You know, all the stuff that makes a fool?  I am reading through Proverbs, the corresponding chapter to the day on the calendar.

Today is the 10th, and in Chapter 10 alone, I counted 6 behaviors that make us a fool.

Proverbs 10:8 says The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin —or the NLT version, The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.

Why do some people talk too much?

People who act like they know it all, are smug with confidence about their opinions, resistant to suggestions, spouting their knowledge for everyone to enjoy. Irritating.

Even Run DMC warns  against talking too much!

“Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.” Plato

People that chatter foolishly like that come to ruin. Cut and dry, right? Don’t those people drive you nuts?

Um, don’t we drive people nuts when we are that person?

The ease with which we can slip into chattering fool must be glaring because the phrase is used again already in verse 10. Hmm.

Talking too much to hear your own words

Let’s not be the person who talks to hear themselves speak. Who rambles aimlessly with no articulated thoughts.

Who must get the last word in.

Instead, let’s focusing today on Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is not absent; but (s)he who holds his tongue is wise.

Fool/wise. Kind of a no-brainer

This lesson can be sort of an “ouch” instead of “eureka moment. But take heart! This is all for our benefit.  To review the risks of being the big mouth in the room:

• Chattering fools come to ruin
• Babbling fools fall flat on their face

Now compare that to the benefits of one who thinks before they speak:

• She is wise

Proverbs 21:23  promises that “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

Let’s be honest, this one is hard sometimes to master. But so worth the effort.

Our words have the power to tear down those around us, leave lasting damage, and bring shame or dismay when they pour out unchecked. (Even to ourselves).

The Bible is FULL of warnings about this, so clearly it is a potential pitfall.  But of course, the power of our words is incalculable for GOOD as well!

Proverbs 18:2-3 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

The power of encouraging words to a hurting world

Our speech can lift others up, give hope, celebrate living, bring people from despair, extend an outpouring of love and change lives in ways we will never know.

But the recipient? They will always know and never forget our gifts or our curses. Ephesians 4:29 has been a foundational verse for me in the last 20+ years.

The one I keep in front of me as a goal, and the directive that has changed my heart and my speech powerfully.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but ONLY such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

How much talking is too much?

We have no need to rethink our conversations, rehash what was said, or wonder if our words made an impact for good…or harm.

(and if you blew it? Apologize, asap, and do what you can to make it right. But don’t just say you’re sorry, mean it and change the behavior. That is how we really make a difference…)

Resources about our words:

• The Power of a Woman’s Words: How the Words You Speak Shape the Lives of Others
• Resisting Gossip: Winning the War of the Wagging Tongue
• You Talk Too Much: A Wife’s Guide To Becoming A Silent Warrior
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