When We Talk Too Much

The verse below is one of many in the Bible which cautions us about our speech.

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

As is the case with some Hebrew poetry, there is a direct contrast portraying a negative and a positive concept.

Negative Condition: “multitude of words”
Negative Result: “there wanteth not sin”

Positive Condition: “he that refraineth his lips”
Positive Result: “is wise”

The wise choice is obvious: Don’t say more than you need to.  Control your tongue.  If you don’t, then you will descend into sin.  If you refrain (keep in check) your lips, then you are wise.