Do you know a child who just can’t stop talking? They talk constantly at home, at school, and they talk too much “smack” with their friends. They feel that what they have to say needs to be heard regardless if it is good or bad. A child like this seems to stay in trouble because they refuse to control their words.

However, are we sometimes like this unrestrained child? When we are slighted by someone’s action or cut by someone’s words, we have a strong desire to put them back in their place. We make sure our words are heard and that our words are many.

Proverbs 10:19 Reads:
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

God says when we have too many words; sin is not far from our lips. When a family member, a friend, or even an enemy sucker-punches us with their words, we feel the need to retaliate with harder words and sin is crouching at our door. The better way is to restrain our lips and make our words silent. Doing this reveals great wisdom. Why, you ask? Because words that are restrained, equals a life controlled by the Holy Spirit. And this, my friend, makes us wise. Silent words controlled by the Holy Spirit are Golden.

Journal Question: Are the words I speak undisciplined and unrestrained or are they controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Hope Action: Today, evaluate the words that flow from your mouth.