In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking (Prov 10:19)
We all encounter those who exhibit what might well be described as diarrhea of a verbal form. Their lips move with such a stream of words that it appears as if they never take a breath. The proverb warns sin is not lacking in a multitude of words, and it is not difficult to understand why such is true. Such persons are so consumed with having their opinions heard that they are unresponsive to the counsel of others, let alone receiving counsel based on the Word of God. Their unwillingness to receive counsel often leads to falling into circumstances which might have been avoided had even a modest degree of humility existed. This is a situation that seems to take place in the body of believers just as commonly as with those who make no pretense of having Christ-centered lives. It is a human temptation to be self-confident, self-assured, self-sufficient, and self-indulgent if not self-righteous. All of us have been tempted to use a multitude of words to tell about a decision or plans which we have made. And the words tend to be more profuse if a decision or plans were made in an lack of counsel from others. When I’ve sought the counsel of others in making some kind of decision, my words tend to be relatively few. But when I haven’t sought any counsel, my vocabulary tends to get a better workout. It’s almost as if I am trying to talk myself into something when I depend upon my own wisdom. At times we’ll even pray diligently about a matter, yet be unwilling to receive input from those whom we recognize as spiritually mature. Pride, the mother of all sins, may be lurking in the bushes if we’ll take a moment to look. We are warned several times in Proverbs that there is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end leads to destruction. So it is this proverb can be helpful as a ‘warning sign’ if we’ll heed its message. When a multitude of words is spewing from our lips, we may need to realize something is being said which warrants counsel from others. Proverbs 15:22 confirms this idea, telling us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” As we are warned by James (3:8), the tongue is a restless evil and all but impossible to tame. We might take heed of this warning if we can be honest with ourselves, a deed which is not always successfully done. Perhaps there’s a reason as to why we’ve been born with two ears and only one tongue and mouth. However, I’d be cautious in ever suggesting such to those who are prone to using a multitude of words, letting alone mentioning anything about sin not being lacking according to the Word of God.
