Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 10:19, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
American Standard Version
In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely.
World English Bible version
In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
Proverbs 10:19 Meaning & Commentary
Why would the Bible say that when words are many, transgression is not lacking? Well, let’s bring a few more scriptures in to get a clearer picture here: Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back and James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. There is a tendency as human beings to want to express all our feelings, and emotions and constantly “vent” over things that upset us.
We however often act in our feelings or our flesh, not in Wisdom and with the mind of Christ. The advice to always speak your mind must be one of the worst pieces of advice ever! Always speaking your mind could mean that you are speaking out when you are angry, upset, or frustrated and you can sometimes say things that you will later regret. Not only could you say things that may put you in a bad light, but you could cause harm and damage to other people. The problem with words is that you cannot take them back once they have been spoken and released.
So, you could have someone that you love and care about, but in a moment of anger, you can release words that can hurt that person and even damage your relationships. This is why The Bible goes on to say in Proverbs 10:19 that if someone restrains their lips, they are prudent. It is wise and prudent to hold your words back and restrain your lips, and not blow up and vent all your feelings and frustrations.
Application
How then can we apply Proverbs 10:19 to our lives?
Proverbs: 17:28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. There are several applications to restraining our words and not just speaking whatever we think or feel. Firstly, The Bible tells us that we may be considered wise. There is a famous quote that says, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt”.
Additionally, a wise person positions themselves to learn wherever and whenever they can, and not just say whatever is on their mind! Additionally, because our words have the power of life and death in our words, we need to be careful about what we release out of our mouths. Look at what Jesus said: Matthew 12:27 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
So, if our hearts are not right, or we are dealing with anger, frustration, bitterness, or jealousy and have a habit of always venting and speaking our minds, we are setting ourselves up to speak words of death and cursing. Remember, words carry great power: Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. We, therefore, need to be very careful about not only what we speak, but when we speak. It is difficult to speak words of life when we are upset, angry, or frustrated.
This is why it is prudent to restrain our lips. Restraint is necessary when there is a temptation to do something which should not be done. If we know we should not be doing something, but are tempted to do it, this is when restraint is needed! Therefore, a wise person chooses what they say, and when they speak carefully.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you again for reminding me about the effect of the words I speak. Therefore, I ask that you help me to choose what I speak, and when I speak. I ask that whatever I say may be with the mind of Christ and that if I have nothing of value to say, please help me to restrain my lips, as your word declares is prudent to do. I desire to please you not only in deeds and action but also with my words. Let my speech bring glory to you and build other people up. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
