“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)
According to James, the measure of our maturity is found in our ability to bridle our tongue. (James 3:2) Like Jesus did before him, he also realized that what fills the heart ends up spilling out of the mouth. Corrupt trees produce corrupt fruit, and bitter fountains produce bitter water.
Saying whatever we feel like saying is not a recipe for finding favor with others. Without a filter on our mouth, we leave much wreckage in our wake. But shouldn’t we let others know what we feel? Are we supposed to just “bottle” everything up inside of us? Absolutely not.
We should let Another know what we’re feeling, not because He doesn’t already know, but because we desperately need His feedback. We need to take all that is happening in our heart and mind to God, and get His take on it. When we pray we both talk to God, and hear back from Him. How often does He tell us to let something go because it’s really not that big of a deal? Or, give us the right words to communicate with someone else the way we’re feeling? When there is no prayer, but just a “multitude of words” pouring out of our mouth because of a jungle of emotions in our heart, there is always going to be sin and offense.
Sometimes, the less said the better; but always, more prayer is the best response.