Motormouth.

I was proud of my childhood nickname.  My mouth WAS a motor, running uninterrupted, 16 hours a day. My dad would say, “Steven, you’re a good kid.  But your mouth is going to get you into a lot of trouble.”  He was right.

The Bible says it too: “When there are many words, sin is unavoidable” Proverbs 10:19.  It’s a simple equation: More words = more sin.  James elaborates: “Let everyone be … slow to speak” 1:19.  Are you ever slow to speak?  Try it!

Of course, we have to talk.  But when and how much? Imagine you are attending a Bible study. When should you speak up and answer a question or offer a comment?  And if you have already spoken once, should you speak again? 

TALKATIVE PEOPLE WHO HOPE TO MAKE (AND KEEP) FRIENDS, MUST LEARN: NO ONE WANTS A SINGLE PERSON TO DO ALL THE TALKING. YOU HAVE TO STOP. 

The question is—when should you speak? What factors should you consider if you are dying to talk, but don’t want to be a boor (or a bore)?

Consider Job’s young friend Elihu:

“I too will answer… I am full of words, and my spirit compels me to speak. My heart is like unvented wine—it is about to burst the wineskins. I must speak so that I can find relief. I must open my lips and respond” 32:17-20.

Elihu considered several factors:

1. He allowed elders to speak first, 32:4.
2. None of his elders had a good response to Job’s arguments, v.12.
3. Elihu plans to speak “only what he knows.” He will not let himself speak beyond his expertise, vv.10,17. (This is a BIG temptation for those of us who talk for a living.)
4. He is overwhelmed with passion about his message, to the point he feels he will burst, v.19.
5. Even while speaking, he will restrain himself, speaking with integrity and the fear of the Lord, v.22.

Practice LISTENING.  When you are bursting with some insight at that Bible study or family gathering, ask yourself whether your thought will do others in the room any good.  If it merely makes you look clever, but means nothing to anyone else—DON’T SAY IT!

ΑΩ