Together in Christ: 'Keep It Short and Simple' — Proverbs 10:19

Sunday, July 13, 2025

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
— Proverbs 10:19 NLT

Key Thought

Most of us have made a mess of things at one time or another. Many of us have also made a bigger mess by trying to explain, rationalize, defend, justify, and excuse our sinful and hurtful words and actions. The more we try to make it seem better, the worse we hurt others and deepen the hole we've dug for ourselves.

When we sin, we must confess it, turn from doing it, and ask for forgiveness. [1] Multiplying our words of explanation, defense, or justification only makes the sin more offensive. Our defensiveness makes the division between us far worse. Let's heed the straightforward truth of today's relationship proverb!

[1] James 1:19-20, 5:16.

Today's Prayer

O, Father, I need Your help to hold my tongue and refuse to be defensive when I have sinned. Forgive me for trying to hold on to my sense of dignity and self-justification in sinful experiences. Help me reconcile with those hurt by my sin and my flood of words seeking to justify my wrong behavior. Heal those relationships and use me to be your vessel of honor, healing, and redemption through the power of the Holy Spirit. [A] In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

[A] 2 Timothy 2:20-21; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Proverbs 10:19
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."
Proverbs 10:19
Devo: Today's Verse
"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."
Shhh!
Illustration of Proverbs 10:19
Inspirational illustration of Proverbs 10:19 -- 19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Delete! Delete! Delete!
Article by Rubel Shelly
What can you do after the message is sent? Rubel Shelly reminds us that we have to choose our words carefully because we don't have an unsend button for our mouth or a delete button to use after the words are spoken.
See All 5 Related Resources about Proverbs 10:19

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 10:19 NLT — Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, July 13, 2025

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Isaiah 48:8
"It is painful to remember that, in a certain degree, this accusation may be laid at the door of believers, who too often are in a measure spiritually...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Discerning, not Deceived' (Co. 2:4-7)
"Dear Father, my rock, Help me to think clearly with discernment. Keep me from being taken in by the beguiling speech of deceivers. Give me great joy...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Gamble' (Mt. 27:35-37)
"After they had nailed [Jesus] to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Control Your Tongue' (Pr. 13:3-4)
"Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work..."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Together in Christ