Text: "When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, the one who controls his lips is prudent." - Proverbs 10:19
Today's text is interesting. It is not implying that we are to be lacking in due process as we consider life situations. We do need to talk things through. Rather, it is encouraging us to be thorough and thoughtful, careful to consider all circumstances and perspectives that could effect the eventual outcomes of our words and actions.
Biblically, there are two definitions of sin that we would focus on within the context of this verse. The first is found in 1 John 3:4. In the King James Version it reads, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." A transgressor, in military terms refers to a foot soldier who falls out of line. Transgression of the law would refer to behaviour that is not in harmony with God's law.
The Ten Commandments are an expression of the heart or character of God and can be demonstrated biblically to be the foundation of His government. For the christian, they are the "rule of faith" and are to be upheld in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Sin has left us in a deplorable and desperate situation.
The Apostle Paul in Romans 7:18,19 makes this statement regarding our carnal , moral depravity. " For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find." In James 3:6-10, we read "the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so."
Our condition, biblically is universal in that we all have been tainted by sin and as noted in Romans 3:23, "...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Thankfully, the Apostle Paul shares with us the hope that only God, through Christ can provide to each of us. "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24,25).
A prudent person in God's eyes would be one who recognizes their spiritual depravity and carefully chooses to restrain or direct thoughts and actions as so indicated by the word of God or inspiration received through prayer. Like the Apostle Paul, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"(Philippians 4:13). Clearly, godly conduct is the fruit of an ongoing, ever present relationship with Christ.
Our second definition of "sin" also helps us to find comfort and resolution to our sin problem. In Romans 14:23, we find that "...whatsoever is not of faith is sin." This would indicate that our faith should precede our actions. Bathed in prayer, our words and actions should bring light to others. Reflecting the values of the kingdom of light, they should bring hope and wholeness to our world.
Faith is not something that we can manufacture through personal effort. You can't simply grit your teeth and try harder to obtain faith. In 1 Corinthians 12:9, we find faith listed as gift of the Spirit. Herein lies the secret to self control, which incidentally also is listed as a spiritual gift in Galatians 5:22. To avoid sinful words and actions, we need to be surrendered to the Sovereignty of God's Spirit moment by moment. To "pray without ceasing"(1 Thessalonians 5:17) is to cultivate an attitude of prayer whereby, we practice His presence as we seek guidance and clarity of action before we commit and vocalize our response to the various and many needs that impact us daily.
So, I would encourage you to keep God in your thoughts. Recognize that He is "a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him"(Hebrews 11:6). Like David, begin to memorize scripture and prayerfully claim scripture promises personally. David encourages this by his words in Psalm 119:11 were he states, "Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!"
May God bless you consider these things. Through prayer, eternity begins today, as you walk and talk with God.