“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much” (Proverbs 20:19 NIV).
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues” (Proverbs 10:19 NIV).
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Brethren, the Lord has commanded us to write about “talking too much”. God has given humanity the ability of speech in order to communicate with Him in worship and prayer, and to express our thoughts and intentions to others. Scripturally, speech is meant to build up those who hear and not to spread slander, gossip and dissensions(Ephesians 5:11, 19-20; Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Peter 4:8-10). God gave man the ability to speak in order to promote goodwill and understanding amongst people. Surely, the free will that the Lord has given us, including the freedom to speak, was not intended to be used for carrying hatred or as a tool to express our negative opinions to degrade others. Often in sharp disagreements, it is common knowledge that many people often compete to say the last word, with the intent to hurt our ‘opponent’.
In other words, in our display of ‘superiority’, we want what we say to be heard and valued as sacrosanct. It, therefore, stands to reason and it does not matter how sound our speech is but the strength of the spirit through which it was conveyed determines the effect. Did the effect of our words build up or contribute negatively to the life of our listener(s)? The Bible tells us that we are all imperfect (Isaiah 53:6; 1 Corinthians 13:10; Romans 3:23) in conduct and speech. We, therefore, need Scriptural guidance through correction to perfect our conduct, which in turn should lead us to perfection. While it is impossible for us to attain complete perfection in this life, our voluntary submission to godly guidance will lead to perfection (Proverbs 10:17; 15:31).
Bible-based Correction is Good for You
The Lord is holy and His word speaks strongly against sinful behaviour. The Scriptures utter strong words in the identification of our sinful behaviour (Revelation 21:8; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10); this is intended to convict us to acknowledge our sins, confess and repent, leading us to obedience. The Scriptures condemns sinful behaviour to discourage the behaviour, not to degrade the sinner. The truth is that sin degrades us and causes us to be separated from the Holy God (Genesis 3:8; Romans 1:24). In today’s society, some people regard it as a “sin” if a Christian publicly rebukes wrongful behaviour. The response of the world to Biblical rebuke is often negative and aimed at shaming our Christian faith and to gag our message (Isaiah 58:1). The Word of God has become offensive to many people and when being corrected, they resort to anger, reviling (attacking with mocking, insulting, or abusive language), and showing the person who corrected them rejection and hatred (John 15:18-21; 1 John 3:13-14; Proverbs 15:12).
The Bible clearly warn us that as Christian believers, the world will reject and hate us (John 15:18). This is therefore not the time to be worldly and uninterested in holiness, but it is the time to examine ourselves to see if we are really on the side of Truth (2 Corinthians 13:5-7). It is also a season to prepare ourselves for the Lord and get our oil as the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). Even though as Christians we make many mistakes, the Lord is refining His children all over the world, thanks to His great saving power and grace that He has promised us prior to His soon coming (Daniel 11:35; 12:10). Christians who know the blessing and victory that comes with obedience to Christ have a duty to correct each other as we can save each other from hell (Ezekiel 33:7-9). Also, refer to the vision titled "Warning: Do Not Use The Lord’s Name in Vain!"
Many people want to be motivated, sweet-talked to, and told that they are loved and everything will be fine (Isaiah 30:10). The Lord does indeed loves all people and He overlooked our ignorance in the past, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). It may not feel good to give up our worldly interests, addictions, lifestyles, and ways, but it is truly loving for the Lord to correct us (Revelation 3:19). This is to save us from being condemned with the rest of the world (1 Corinthians 11:32). We ought to praise God for His rebukes, which are so precious (Proverbs 12:1). Heeding them means obtaining eternal life!
Freedom of Speech Should Not Be Freedom to Sin
I certainly agree that people should be free to express themselves, but this should be done in a responsible manner, and without insult and/or provocation. The Lord Jesus says: “But I tell you, that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who came from Heaven and who is Judge Himself, knew what He was talking about! Throughout the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), the Words uttered by the Lord were in favour of people’s salvation and for our corrective living; the uncompromising position of the Lord’s message was reward of eternal life for obedience, and eternal judgment for disobedience (John 3:16-18). From studying the Bible, we can clearly see that the Lord wasted no words; He only spoke words that were necessary and appropriate. He came to do the will of the Father (John 6:38). His words were meant to encourage repentance, holiness and obedience, rather than the pursuit of happiness in this life (John 16:33). Brethren, those who think that Christianity is for happiness and making our lives easy in this world should better repent! The key to obedience in this present life is eternal happiness and joy in the life hereafter (Romans 2:6).
Freedom of speech in today’s society is often used as a tool for creating division and promoting sin, rather than endeavouring to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). We know that many of the advocates of “freedom of speech” have no regard for God, and through their reasoning, they question God’s word and His authority. We are not saying that you should keep quiet when others violate you; you have a godly right to speak out against wrong behaviour, with the aim of applying corrective behaviour (Acts 23:1-5). In this message, we are simply encouraging you to “avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly” (2 Timothy 2:16). The English Standard Version (ESV) interprets the Greek word for “chatter” as “Irreverent babble”, which is the unnecessary talk to please others, rather than fulfilling our duty of building up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Talking Too Much Leads to Sin
Let us briefly consider again the words of the Lord Jesus when He warned us: “… everyone will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36). When we utter careless words by swearing, gossiping, slandering and boasting in an attempt to humiliate others, this does not build up, but breaks a person’s heart. The result of using careless words is that it invites God’s wrath for retribution. God weighs the effect of our words and that includes our motives and intentions. The Lord Jesus Christ once rebuked a brother in our ministry ‘not to use words to hurt others’, and encouraged him to correct others gently and in love (Ephesians 4:2). The Lord is not pleased with people who talk a lot and without a purpose to build others up. There is a limit to everything, and talking either good or bad has a limit (Psalm 119:96; Ecclesiastes 3:7).
As a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- In the various communication media that are available today, are you using these forums to represent Christ or to promote self and your own opinions? (Matthew 5:16)
- Does our message in the ‘chat room’ or social media attract others to you or Christ? (James 4:8)
- Do you use these various communication channels to build up one another, or do you use them to fulfil the desires of the flesh (Romans 13:14) and the passing pleasures of sin? (Hebrews 11:25)
- Do you talk too much about others (gossip, slander, etc.) or things you cannot change, or do you encouraging one another to pray and seek a closer relationship with the Lord? (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
- Are you setting a good example that your listeners will be edified to follow? (1 Corinthians 11:1).
In 2014, the Lord showed Charis a vision of a sister in our ministry who likes the company of her unsaved and worldly friends. While Charis was not permitted to hear the content of the conversation, the Holy Spirit impressed upon her heart that this sister and her friends were gossiping and talking about other people, and they were engaging in lustful talk. Christians are admonished not to be bound together (yoked) with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). We are also warned, “Bad company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Some of us may have friends who are not born-again, but our association with them is to guide them Scripturally to do what is pleasing to God, rather than joining them in wrongdoing.
Deliverance from Too Much Talking
Some people love to hear themselves talk and want to dominate all conversations. Sadly, these people think that they have all the answers and want to draw all the attention to themselves. Even though such people are usually friendly, their excessive chatter does not build those who listen to them but causes discouragement. Our response to silence an endless talker should not be to hurt or shame that person, but to help him or her develop a sense of respect for those listening. The aim is to help the person realise that building a good relationship only needs a few words. People usually avoid those who talk too much and their actions do not bear good fruit. Those who are in the habit of talking too much should be warned that they are creating walls around them, and soon they will be without anyone to talk to. Is it worth taking the risk of losing people who you care about (some who probably need to receive
If you are a born-again Christian and are struggling with the “spirit of talking too much”, please pray and please with the Lord for deliverance—He is readily waiting to deliver you. Please bear in mind that deliverance is only possible if we first acknowledge that we have a problem (Proverbs 28:13). Depending on your faith, complete deliverance might not occur instantaneously, but over a period of time and through many prayers. You may also consider fasting along with praying (Matthew 17:21).
In our Ministry, were once had a deliverance session initiated by a message from the Lord for a young man whose behaviour did not change as a result of a single prayer or deliverance session. The young man had to pray and have faith that he was going to receive his deliverance from addiction to drugs, and we continued praying for him until he was completely set free from the addiction.
Limiting Conversation to Address Needs or Shortcomings
We might not have much success in the company of many unbelievers, but if we are sincere and true to our convictions, the discerning hearts will hear and accept our message. When the apostle Paul entered the meeting of the Areopagus, he was met by a hostile group of philosophers and his message was limited to their need. He proclaimed his conviction and message for the salvation of souls and through the grace of God, his effort was rewarded when some people believed his message and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 17:18-34). We will have more influence through silent but godly attitude, instead of having deceitful intentions and using words to impress others. Let us, therefore make every effort to speak less and listen more, and we will have a few words to account for.
If you are struggling with talking too much or you are not yet born again, and desire to have victory in Jesus, please get started by praying this Prayer of Sincere Repentance. For any questions or comments about this article or our ministry, please contact us.
Grace and peace to you,
Brother Glenn and Preparing for the Kingdom Ministry Team.
