Are You Talking Too Much?

Read Psalm 39

Psalm 39:1

I said, “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.”

You don’t need to say everything that comes into your head. Read that again.

There are times to speak and times to be silent. There are times to confront and times to walk away. You should not let a word leave your mouth unless it is given permission by the Holy Spirit. That’s not to say you are not allowed to speak at all. You are…and you should! But Scripture reminds us to be mindful of what we are saying at all times.

Proverbs 10:19 says, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise!”

Take it from someone who talks for a living, the more words you use, the more chances there are to say things you shouldn’t be saying.

In Psalm 39:2-3 we see the Psalmist struggling to hold his tongue as his heart burns with anger toward another person. It appears that right when he was about to explode in anger at the offending party he turns to the Lord and prays, “Oh Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days, let me know how fleeting I am.” (v. 4-5)

In other words, oh Lord, remind me that I am just as human and flawed as the person who made me angry. I may be upset, but Lord, you have every right to be upset with me!

“My hope is in You, deliver me from my transgressions. (v. 7-8)

The next time you find yourself wanting to lash out at someone with hurtful words, remember that Jesus has every right to lash out at you. And yet, He doesn’t.

Those who have been forgiven of much should be the quickest ones to forgive others. Jesus has great patience when it comes to you. Shouldn’t you show the same patience for others?

The last thing you need to do is say something you’ll regret.

If you need to get the matter off your chest or out of your mind, follow the example of Psalm 39 and bring the matter to the Lord in prayer.

Oh Lord, save me from myself. Help me to see how much you have forgiven me and shown me mercy so that I can extend the same grace and mercy to others. Help me to know when to speak and when to be silent. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, TN.

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