I can’t talk now

Proverbs 10:19

• (NASB) When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
• (KJS) In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise.
• (NRSV) When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but the prudent are restrained in speech.
• (NKJV) In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips [is] wise.
• (NIV) When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

This morning I noticed that I haven’t blogged in quite some time. Immediately upon thinking this thought, Proverbs 10:19 came to mind. Soon after becoming a Christian I read this verse and it has stuck with me ever since.

I memorized it in the NIV. The NIV was the first Bible translation that I used upon becoming a Christian. My favorite now is the NASB. But I digress.

When men speak many words oft times truth turns into opinion and facts tend to flee. In fact, chances are that by the time I get done with this blog, I will transgress.

I know that I myself have at times literally reached into my mouth and grabbed my tongue so that I would not spew forth my opinions (or should I say judgments) upon the one with whom I am conversing. So often, I give my opinion on any subject, as though I have the facts, as though I am all-knowing, as though my judgments are correct.

Often, pride is my motivator. You know, that sin that lives in me. If you know me you probably know him as well. Jesus said:

Matthew 7:1 (NASB) “Do not judge lest you be judged. 2 “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.

When I read this, I get mighty scared. Jesus spoke:

Matthew 15:19 (NASB) “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. 20 “These are the things which defile the man;

I am guilty. I am defiled. Like the Apostle Paul, I could write:

Romans 7:24 (NASB) Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So… I apologize to everyone who comes to this page and says, “Doesn’t Keith blog any more?” I guess you’ll just have to trust me, that when I really have something to write, I will do so. But I hope I won’t thrust my opinions and judgments upon you and I hope I just won’t vent. You know as well as I, that there are a ton of things about which to let off steam. I would rather give my Lord praise and thanks and glory, even if sometimes I do the very thing I wish I would never do.

Jesus, I love you. Be glorified in me.