Beyond the Weekend

August 15 | Too Many Words

August 15, 2019

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)

Read: Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)

Listen: Proverbs 10 (NIV)

TODAY’S MESSAGE

It’s easy to imagine the author of this proverb, putting pen to paper, reflecting on recent conversations. Some of these conversations were life-giving and helpful. But he remembered that others were not. He concludes a primary reason is just too many words. If a conversation goes on long enough, often foolish and destructive things are said.

It might be at a coffee shop as you update your friend on the latest news in your neighborhood. Or over lunch in the cafeteria as you discuss the new kid in your third-hour class. Or it could be in an extended online conversation over the latest news story and your least-favorite politician. The longer you talk, the more likely you’ll drift into speculation about someone’s motives. We speak before we think.  Before we know it—we’re in  a room we don’t belong in.

The solution? Keep quiet. We can ask ourselves three questions to see if we should keep talking. Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? Answers to these will usually tell us if we should add to the conversation or keep our mouth shut.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Identify a probable discussion you’ll have later today. Commit this conversation to the Lord as you ask for wisdom to know when to remain quiet. Be sensitive to his voice when in the middle of the conversation, and when tempted to keep talking.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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