You talk too much

Today, we're going to look at a Proverb about speech. Let's read.

Those who talk a lot are likely to sin. But those who control their tongues are wise.

Proverbs 10:19 (NIrV)

Discussion

• Have you ever been told you talk too much?
• Did it stop you from talking?
• This proverb says that if you talk alot you are likely to sin. Why do you think that is?
• When looking at other translations, the first part of this can read a little differently
  • Too much talk leads to sin. (New Living Translation>
  • When words are many, transgression is not lacking (ESV)
  • You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much (Contemporary English Version)
• What are some ways you can sin with your speech? Lying, saying mean things about people, provoking people to do bad things
• What do you think it means to control your tongue?
• The Hebrew word here chasak means to withhold or to restrain. Based on this, maybe we can say that controlling your tongue is withholding words (not saying something) or restraining (holding back) words.
• If say something without thinking about what you're saying, are you controlling your tongue?
• If you think before you speak, is that controlling your tongue?
• Would you agree that if you're not thinking before you speak, you are more likely to say something mean or to lie?
• Do you want to be wise and think before you speak?