A Not-Word from the Wise

(Proverbs 10:19 KJV)  In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

This is not very promising for people who talk a lot or people who don’t think before they speak.  All of us have had moments when a comment bursts forth in its glory and our shame.  I don’t think there is any way to avoid it and it becomes a real issue in our modern culture of hate speech and safe spaces.  I was criticized recently because I made a student feel uncomfortable.  He could not point out anything specific that I said but he felt bad.  ????  I don’t really think that is what Solomon was talking about so I don’t worry about that.  But what about the joke that goes wrong?  What about a moment of honesty when tact was required?  What about a poor choice of words?  What about that four letter word that slips out withing consulting you?

So?  We know the problem.  It effects each of us differently and every day has different challenges.  We can’t stop talking.  All we can do is acknowledge the problem and prayerfully make progress.