Pr 10.19
¹⁹ When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.

The Parts

transgression – it would be profitable to read some of the verses below on “transgression” to get a flavor for this powerful term. This term is not well rendered in the NIV or NKJV as “sin.” This is a violent term, well rendered “rebellion”! It’s about tearing away from where we should be, what is godly and wise. It’s sin! And, it often happens in our relationships! Within a relationship it speaks of things like a breach of relationship, going beyond the “limits” of that relationship.

wise – one who is capable of reasoning through a complex arrangement of thoughts resulting in a wise dealing and good practical common sense, “prudent,” intelligent understanding of a (reason or) relationship, moves toward being successful, pays attention. This quality is well worth your personal consideration as well as training your children. In a culture pounded toward the empty path of being “popular,” this is a much more productive path! This term, maskil, is often used in the titles of the Psalms, e.g., Ps 32, 52, stressing “to give insight and success in life.”

References to consider:

Transgression

Pr 28.21
²¹ To show partiality is not good,
Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

Ge 31.36
³⁶ Then Jacob became angry and contended with Laban; and Jacob said to Laban, “What is my transgression? What is my sin that you have hotly pursued me?

Ge 50.17
¹⁷ ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.” ’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

1 Sa 24.11
¹¹ “Now, my father, see! Indeed, see the edge of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the edge of your robe and did not kill you, know and perceive that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands, and I have not sinned against you, though you are lying in wait for my life to take it.

Wise

Is 41.20
²⁰ That they may see and recognize, And consider and gain insight as well, That the hand of the Lord has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Pr 21.12
¹² The righteous one considers the house of the wicked,
Turning the wicked to ruin.

Ne 8.13
¹³ Then on the second day the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe that they might gain insight into the words of the law.

Pr 1.3
³ To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity;

1 Sa 18.14-15
¹⁴ David was prospering in all his ways for the Lord was with him. ¹⁵ When Saul saw that he was prospering greatly, he dreaded him.

Je 10.21
²¹ For the shepherds have become stupid And have not sought the Lord; Therefore they have not prospered, And all their flock is scattered.

Pr 19.11
¹¹ A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger,
And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

Pr 12.8
⁸ A man will be praised according to his insight,
But one of perverse mind will be despised.

Sharpening for my life today:

Relationships vary, so do our words, both the content and the number! Remember when you “didn’t have much to say”? It wasn’t lack of content, it was lack of relationship.

Here we learn that even “advise” should be given within the “limits” of relationship. Here’s a good Proverb about “what to say, and, when to say it”!

Remember, our words are very much part of our ministry. There is nothing “idle” about conversation for one who is “wise” in the Lord!