In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. ~ Proverbs 10:19
If there was a ever a verse that had my name beside it, it’s this one! I am a talker. It has been my greatest burden in life. Many sins can be committed with words. Slander, hypocrisy, lying, and gossip to name a few. Everyone is guilty of committing such sins.
A few years ago, I read through a convicting little book simply called If by Amy Carmichael (missionary to India from 1895-1951). One portion which especially gouged me was the following paragraph:
If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word, then I know nothing of Calvary love. For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, however suddenly jolted. (page 35)
Charles Bridges says of this passage: “Considering, therefore, the sin connected with the multitude of words, it is surely our wisdom to refrain our lips.” Ah! Yes! Lord, help one such sinner as I! I am forever speaking harsh words, or wrong words, or too many words. I know I will never achieve perfection in this area during my lifetime, but does this mean I should quit trying to improve? As Paul says in Romans, God forbid! My heart’s desire is to run the race faithfully, striving to be more like Christ each day, until at last I am home with Him. This means working to tame my motor mouth, and only the Lord can handle such a monumental task.
valeriewritenow.com 
Ah yes, those words that get us into trouble. Did you hear me call your name this morning? As the words were spewing out of my mouth about being sure of what a person should have done, I said “I hear you Valerie Basham, I’m making my standard the standard everyone should have.” Better to have refrained my lips. I’m thankful for one of your recent blogs that blessed me and reminded me about judging others according to my standards. God bless and keep up the good “word.”
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Thank you so much for the encouragement, Mrs. Smith! I’m glad I’m not alone in my struggle for a right heart and right words.
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The verse immediately following is the one I tried to illustrate for my Sunday school students. “The tongue of the just is as choice silver; the heart of the wicked is little worth.” I also love verse 7a, “The memory of the just is blessed…”
Love,
Mother
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Those are good verses. Verse 20 sounds like it would be hard to teach to children.
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