ARE YOU STILL TALKING?


In my life I have encountered many instances where an individual either liked to hear himself/herself talk, thought they knew everything or Both! I don't know what drives these people to dominate a setting with an obvious need to either impress with knowledge or showcase their voice. Some social couth and further maturity are in order for these persons. So, what does The Word of God have to say about talking to much
  • When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. (Proverbs 10:19)
  • Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. (Proverbs 17:28)
  • Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; (James 1:19)
  • Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Proverbs 29:20)
  • But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, (2 Timothy 2:16)
Kind of Talk To Avoid
As you can see from the verses above, it is a good thing not to speak, if you don't have anything to say. But taking it a step further there are verses that speak to the kind of talk we should avoid when we do open our mouths.

Course Talk:  
  • Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. (Proverbs 4:24)
  • 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 it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)
  • Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4)
The Smooth Talker:  
  • With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. (Proverbs 7:21)
Words Are Cheap:  
  • All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23)
What Goes Around Comes Around:
  • An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. (Proverbs 12:13)
  • Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs 18:21)
You Get What's Coming To You:
  • A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. (Proverbs 14:3)
I think you reveal your character by what you say and seal that image by what you do. Many times actions speak louder than words - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (1 Corinthians 4:20) For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. (1 Peter 2:15). In the meantime, if all of us can slow down and process what we are about to say before speaking, I believe a lot of confusion, hurt, misunderstanding and bitterness can be avoided. It helps tremendously to have The Spirit of Truth guiding you in all truth (John 16:13) from within your mind, body, and spirit.

Kind of Talk To Seek
So what are the kind of words that should be preceding out of our mouths? Guarded words, few words and The LORD's Words.
  • Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! (Psalm 141:3)
  • Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. (Eccl. 5:2)
  • These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
Make it your effort to get straight to the point in your prayers and pray to have the Lord "set a guard over your mouth". And when you do talk make it wholesome, encouraging, and full of God's Word. Temperate your knowledge and display thereof by allowing others to interject during a pause or where appropriate. Develop some social graces in this area with plenty of Holy Spirit poured in and you will not hear me or anybody else saying - Are You Still Talking?

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