Proverbs 10:19 and Precahing.

[JoReba]

Proverbs 10:19 (KJV), "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin; but he that refraineth his lips is wise."

This verse stands alone in its directive in that there is no context within which it appears, and there are no other Scriptures which restate this specific concept. Therefore, to attempt to cite some other verses from Scripture to supposedly "explain" 10:19 to mean anything other than its apparent clarity is not a valid thing to do.

Since "lips" is the specific form of words referenced in 10:19, it is only referring to spoken words, and not written words.

Webster's Dictionary, "multitude n. a great number."

Jesus always spoke concisely, directly, germanely to the agenda of the Father, and did not speak His entire mind at any time on any particular issue. He did not preach on any issue for 30-50 minutes at a time. He followed proverbs 10:19. He did refrain His lips from a multitude of words.

In contrast, Apostle Paul in Acts 20 spoke a multitude of words one night, and a man died. Just because Paul apparently raised the man from death does not mean Paul was excused by God for violating proverbs 10:19. Apostle Paul was not a perfect man, even by his own admission.

Today, wordy sermons lasting 30-50 minutes at a stretch laced with all kinds of chatty notions, jokes, personal anecdotes, rhetoric devices used for psychological control, motivational sales pitches, "feel good" churchy sounding aphorisms meant to be "edification," and exhaustive "explanations" which displace personal study of the Word by congregations is wholly without merit.

Prechewed, partially digested, and regurgitated expositional thoughts from a pulpit serve no purpose for purposes of teaching discipleship and cultivating responsibility regarding issues of the Gospel. Nothing can be "taught" with mere words apart from observable example. Jesus materially demonstrated all He taught.

 

[fm107]

I too agree that words should be concise when spoken. But I would not have used that scripture to put that point across, rather I would use this one:

Matthew 5:37
Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

I wouldn't tell a preacher to make their talking time shorter either as that would swing the pendulum from one end to the other, rather I would say don't draw out what your saying, don't labour the message, just use as much time is required to speak the message.

In a street corner it is different in my opinion; you can repeat yourself there because you are not talking to one audience but lots of passer-biers. You want to grab their attention which may mean repeating some words etc.

Here are some other scriptures which are in line with that one you posted.

Proverbs 17:27
He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Job 11:2
"Shall a multitude of words go unanswered, And a talkative man be acquitted?

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Ecclesiastes 5:3
For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.

James 1:19
This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

James 3:2
For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.


What these tell me is that it's saying don't go on talking rather watch every word that comes out of your mouth. It's actually better to keep your mouth shut unless you have something worth-while saying.

Also, when we pray, we shouldn't go on talking then either:

Matthew 6:7
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.