In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. "Refraineth," as with a bridle; because we must by force bridle our tongue as an untameable member (James 3:2-8). People often speak scandal or uncharitableness for want of anything else to say. Xenocrates, in 'Valerius Maximus,' says, 'I have been sometimes sorry that I spoke; I never have been sorry that I was silent.' 'We seldom return to silence without injury to conscience' (Thomas a Kempis, 'Imitation of Christ,' Proverbs 1:10). Not a multitude of words spoken for edification is condemned, but a multitude of words on subjects profane, unprofitable, not sufficiently known, undigested words, truth mixed with falsehood, evil with good, words idle and unseasoned with the salt of grace (cf. Ezekiel 35:13).