Refraining Speech
Commonplace –
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (10:19).
This verse is good for reflection for the New Year. How many words am I putting out there? Are they measured? Are they good? Do they uplift?
Pausing for a moment before speaking. Taking a breath. Letting thoughts sit for a little longer. – All good actions.
But keep sharing stories. Good stories with the right amount of words to tell the story well, form a lovely stream. Extraneous words turn into streamlets that reduce the force of the stream and turn the whole system into a swamp.
Matthew Henry offers the following:
He “that often checks himself, suppresses what he has thought, and holds in that which would transpire, is a wise man; it is evidence of his wisdom, and he therein consults his own peace. Little said is soon amended” (691).
Works Cited
Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 10:19.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.
Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.
© 2025 Angela Hormberg
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