Psalm 19.14 – Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord.
People share the planet with many forms of life and yet are the only ones granted the gift of communicating meaningfully through a language. Talk is one method that humans use to give information or express ideas or feelings. Words can be beautiful in conversation while enjoying delightful fellowship, but they are so much better when spoken constructively and discreetly.
Human communication or talking has a way of bringing enjoyment, happiness, success, and so many other positive things to life, but it can also bring about negativity. People take pleasure in talking with friends, loved ones, and sometimes strangers, but it is essential to be careful about what and how one discloses information. There is such a thing as talking too much!
It does not benefit anyone to be too indiscriminate with words. When conversations become degrading, demeaning, damaging, or humiliating to someone, these are signs that too much has been said. When words are not beneficial, they should not be spoken.
Excessive talkers are sometimes known as “chatterboxes” because they talk non-stop. Other excessive talkers may be considered gossips, speaking when they should be quiet. They habitually divulge personal information about others. Over-talking can destroy reputations.
A careless talker may have lots of information to share, but their words should be carefully considered. Proverbs says, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking” (10:19). Too much talking is a good indication that intemperance or the lack of moderation has occurred, which is considerable displeasure to God. Individuals should be careful to bridle the tongue, safeguard themselves, and to steer clear of hasty talkers.
The tongue is a small member, but it is always at work. It is incredible how “every kind of beast, and birds, and of serpents, and things in the sea, is tamed, and have been tamed of humankind: but it is such a small member of the body cannot be tamed (James 3:8).
The vital communication tool of talking is used by human beings to thrive and survive, but when conversing, we should always think before we speak. Thinking first produces self-control, and practicing self-control when speaking helps us all to be amicable talkers.
When talking, the ideal thing to do is to consider oneself. We should avoid any unwelcoming words, never saying anything that one would not want to be said about himself. An individual who is not meticulous in conversation runs the risk of being shut out of enjoyable activities and social engagements, especially since listening is often more important than being heard.
But there are two areas in which the excessive talker can excel. The first is when he is talking to God. God is the perfect listener, and He has the time and interest to listen to each of us. We can feel free to speak to Him about anything. He will never share our conversations with others. Excessive talkers can have free reign when talking about the Bible. There are 66 books in the Bible and 1,189 chapters. When looking for an acceptable topic to talk about, why not talk about the Word of God?
Communicating is beautiful, but it must be kept within respectable boundaries. Problems can occur because of the way information is presented and the source to whom it is presented. Considering this, the wisest thing to do when in the presence of extremely talkative people might be to remove oneself from them. It is possible that while indulging in conversation with over talkers, an individual might say something that might never have been said under other circumstances.
According to the Word of God, we know that no one can tame the tongue, but it can be trained to refrain from talking when it is not necessary. Some things should never be said. Over talking can create offenses, promote and cultivate chaos, and generate sin. It is vital to ask God to “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). If we allow this scripture to take root and grow within our hearts, we will never find ourselves talking too much. I agree with Thomas Jefferson, who said, “Never use two words when one will do.” In other words, don’t talk too much.
Prayer is Key: Dear Lord, I ask that You help me to let my words be few. Help me always to be conscious of the things I say. Help me to be a constructive listener and not a reckless speaker. If something does not need to be told, help me to delete it before it comes out of my mouth and to think before I speak. Help me never to be guilty of talking too much, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
