Proverbs 10:19 - Think Before You Speak

Pro.10:19; Think Before You Speak 

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

The emphasis is on being slow to begin speaking, not on speaking 
slowly. [SDA Commentary] 

Proverbs is full of the perils of too hasty speech. "When words 
are many, transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his 
lips is prudent" (Prov 10:19).  "He who guards his mouth preserves 
his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin" (Prov 13:3). 
"Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise" (Prov 17:28). "Do 
you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a 
fool than for him" (Prov 29:20).  

The classical writer Zeno said, "We have two ears but only one 
mouth, that we may hear more and speak less." [Barclay Commentary] 

The righteous speak little, and do much; the wicked speak much, 
and do nothing.-- Bava Metzia,  

Those who are hasty in speech are generally of a peevish or 
angry disposition. A person who is careful to consider what he says, 
is not likely to be soon angry.  (Adam Clarke Commentary) 

Active listening makes a worthwhile conversation. Spiritual 
listening allows us to learn from others. When we talk too much and listen 
too little, we communicate to others that we think our ideas are 
much more important than theirs. James wisely advises us to reverse 
this process. Put a mental stopwatch on your conversations and keep 
track of how much you talk and how much you listen. When people talk 
with you, do they feel that their viewpoints and ideas have value? 
[Life Application SB] 

Spiritual listening is always followed by action. It is 
important to listen to what God's Word says, but it is much more important 
to obey it, to do what it says. We can measure the effectiveness of 
our Bible study time by the effect it has on our behavior and 
attitudes. Do you put into action what you have studied? [Life Application 
SB] 

All of us know people who are "talkers."  They talk non-stop, 
mostly about trivial things, or about other people; and some are stuck 
on one topic: themselves.  Weary is the word for all those who, for 
one reason or another, have to listen to such a person.  But they 
are certainly not the only ones who sin with their words!  How many 
things did you say just yesterday that today need to be confessed?  Did 
you exaggerate a story?  Did you shade or distort or imply something 
that you shouldn't have?  Did you waste time discussing the trivial 
or gossiping?  The Lord considers wise the one who holds his/her 
tongue.  Begin today to hold yours and take note of the sins uncommitted 
as a result. [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom] 

We need a high view of God. Too often when we speak to God in 
prayer, that is all it is, our speaking.  We must discipline ourselves 
to make our words few, and take time to listen! A definition in 
Scripture of a fool is that the fool speaks too much.  Sometimes in 
prayer, we make promises to God, as though we can barter with our 
actions to gain something from God we don't think He would otherwise 
give us. Don't play the fool.  God wants to give us every good thing. 
 If we don't have the good things we want, we need to look at 
why. There could be many reasons. But we have no right to try and 
bargain with God. He deserves our right actions and obedience, 
completely.  Besides, we have nothing to bargain with. Believers are slaves, 
and God holds all their rights!  If you are in the habit of 
bargaining with God, raise your view of Him and cease the practice. And if 
you don't listen to Him when you pray, begin to do so, today.  [In 
His Time; Walk With Wisdom] 

Remember that we are not fighting the tongue's fire in our own 
strength. The Holy Spirit will give us increasing power to monitor and 
control what we say.  As Christians we are not perfect, but we should 
never stop growing. [Life Application SB]