Is It Time to Go on a Word Fast?

I think I need to go on a word fast. You fellow talkers out there know what I'm saying. When we get on a talking spree, that's it. We just talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. And that's the end of that. We love to talk. But after reading Proverbs 10:19, I realized that that may cause a bit of a problem.

"When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent."

Ouch. "When words are many" (which is pretty often when you're in a conversation with me) "transgression is not lacking." The dictionary defines transgression as "a violation against a command; a sin." So when we turn into Little Miss Chatterboxes, we're really putting down our guard to sin. 

But. "Whoever restrains his lips is prudent." When we learn that lesson in word fasting, we've finally become wise. When we can control our tongue, stop it in a conversation, and not chatter mindlessly, we've smartened up. The prudent, the wise, the intelligent, the smart people in life know that learning to be quiet is an extremely important lesson to learn. I don't want to be known as that talkative person who just talks and talks and ends up sinning (or causing sin) in a conversation. I want to be known as someone who can be discerning and hold her tongue.

So even for those of you who aren't talkers, this is a lesson we all need to learn. James tells us that the tongue "is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." (James 3:8) But we must control it, learn to restrain it when necessary, and glorify God with it. For that is why we were given tongues.

"Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long." Psalm 35:28