Proverbs 10:19  “Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin.  Be sensible and turn off the flow!”  NLT

Words are powerful.  The right word spoken in the right way, at the right time can brighten someone’s day, put wind in their sails, and bring them to a place of encouragement and hope.  The wrong word spoken in the wrong way, at the wrong time can blow someone’s day, deflate them, and move them to a place of despair and difficulty.

I like this verse and I like the New Living Translation version, that communicates the thought so practically.  Watch what you say, don’t say more than you need to, watch out for gossip (my interpretation), and don’t let what you say to someone be in anyway sinful.  Use words that build up, encourage, edify, and help, rather than hurt and hinder relationship.  The verse so clearly communicates what needs to be done.  Be sensible.  Think before you speak.  Is what I am going to say, True, Helpful, Important, Necessary, and Kind?  If it’s not, then maybe I just need to turn off the flow and rather than “yack” with someone about something or someone else, maybe I should just bring whatever it is before the Lord.  Chances are…  He’s got the best perspective anyway, knows what I’m thinking, and can help me with whatever it is I’m dealing with.

Lord, I can be prone to let my tongue “wag.”  Help me Lord to keep my words in check, watch what I say, speak with wisdom and discerment and talk about things that are glorifying to you, rather than things that will lead me down roads of sinfulness.  Jesus please give me the ability to be sensible and may that sensibility come from your Holy Spirit.

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