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

Monday, July 13, 2026

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

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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!
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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.
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Illustration

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

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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.

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