In
the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 10 [15.] The rich man’s wealth is his strong city.
The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The labor of the righteous leads to life.
The increase of the wicked leads to sin.
He is in the way of life who heeds correction,
but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray.
He who hides hatred has lying lips.
He who utters a slander is a fool.
In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience,
but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
Proverbs 10 [20.] The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver.
The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
The lips of the righteous feed many,
but the foolish die for lack of understanding.
Yahweh’s blessing brings wealth,
and he adds no trouble to it.
Meaning:
This verse emphasizes the power and responsibility that comes with our words. It warns us that excessive speaking can lead to sin and that wisdom lies in knowing when to hold our tongue. Words have the potential to build up or tear down, to bless or curse, and they are often a reflection of what is in our hearts. The wisdom here calls for careful, thoughtful speech—something that is easy to overlook in a world where we are constantly encouraged to share our thoughts, opinions, and feelings at every opportunity.
- The Dangers of Excessive Words
The first part of the verse, "In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience," highlights a simple but often ignored truth: the more we talk, the more likely we are to say something wrong or sinful. The phrase "multitude of words" points to situations where we are overly talkative, speaking without thinking or giving careful consideration to what we’re saying. This could involve gossip, complaining, boasting, or even just filling silence with unnecessary conversation.
When we speak too much, we increase the chances of saying something we shouldn’t—whether it’s exaggerating, making promises we can’t keep, or speaking in anger. James 3:2 echoes this idea: "For in many things we all stumble. If anyone doesn’t stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also." Controlling our words is a sign of maturity and wisdom, but it’s something we often stumble in.
Think about how many conflicts arise simply because people speak without considering the impact of their words. Hurtful comments, misunderstandings, and even slander can easily slip out in the heat of the moment. Proverbs 12:18 says, "There is one who speaks rashly like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals." Our words have the power to wound or to heal, and when we speak too much or too quickly, we risk doing harm that we didn’t intend.
- The Wisdom of Restraint
In contrast to the dangers of excessive words, the second half of the verse states, "but he who restrains his lips does wisely." This paints a picture of someone who is deliberate and thoughtful with their words, someone who understands that silence can be just as powerful—if not more so—than speaking. It’s about having the discipline to know when to speak and when to remain silent.
This restraint is not about suppressing our thoughts or opinions entirely, but about being mindful of the impact our words can have. Restraining our lips means thinking before we speak, asking ourselves whether what we’re about to say is helpful, true, and necessary. It’s the wisdom to avoid saying something in anger that we can’t take back, or gossiping about someone, or speaking out of turn.
James 1:19 offers a similar instruction: "So then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger." The emphasis here is on being quick to listen but slow to respond. It’s a call to pause, to reflect, and to carefully consider our words before they leave our lips. Listening more and speaking less is often the wisest course of action.
- The Role of the Heart
Our words are not just random expressions; they flow from the condition of our hearts. Jesus teaches this in Luke 6:45: "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks." When we are filled with love, humility, and grace, our words will reflect that. But if our hearts are full of anger, bitterness, or pride, that will also be reflected in our speech.
This is why it’s not just about controlling what we say, but about cultivating a heart that is in line with God’s will. If we’re regularly submitting our hearts to God, asking Him to purify our thoughts and intentions, it will be much easier to speak wisely and to restrain our lips when needed. Our words are an overflow of what is happening inside us, so the more we seek to grow in godliness, the more our words will naturally reflect that growth.
Practical Application: Speaking Less, Listening More
In our daily lives, how can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs 10:19? Here are a few practical ways:
Pause Before Speaking: In moments of frustration or when we feel tempted to give our opinion right away, take a deep breath and pause. Sometimes, taking just a few seconds to consider whether what we’re about to say is helpful can prevent us from saying something we regret.
Listen More: The Bible encourages us to be better listeners than speakers. When we make an effort to listen—truly listen—we not only avoid unnecessary words but also show respect and care for the person we’re speaking to. This fosters stronger relationships and avoids misunderstandings.
Pray for Wisdom in Speech: Daily, we can ask God to help us guard our words. Psalm 141:3 says, "Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips." By praying for this kind of divine help, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide our conversations and interactions with others.
Embrace Silence: Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words. There is wisdom in knowing that not every thought needs to be voiced. By practicing moments of intentional silence, we can reflect on whether speaking would be helpful or harmful.
Repent When Necessary: No one is perfect, and there will be times when we say things we shouldn’t. When that happens, it’s important to repent and seek forgiveness from both God and the person we’ve wronged. Humility in acknowledging our mistakes goes a long way toward repairing any damage caused by our words.
Conclusion: Proverbs 10:19 is a reminder of the profound responsibility we have over our speech. While it’s easy to talk without thinking, wisdom lies in restraint and thoughtfulness. By controlling our words, we can avoid sin and promote peace in our relationships. The warning against the "multitude of words" reminds us that speaking too much can lead to trouble, while the wisdom of restraining our lips encourages us to be mindful and careful with what we say.
In a world that often encourages us to speak freely and without filters, this verse calls us to a different standard—one of self-control, humility, and wisdom. By choosing our words carefully, we reflect the love and grace of God, and we become a source of peace and wisdom to those around us.