Chattering
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Topical Encyclopedia
Chattering, in the context of biblical literature, refers to idle talk or incessant, often meaningless, conversation. The Bible addresses the concept of chattering in various passages, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful speech and the potential consequences of careless words.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 10:19 · "When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." This verse highlights the potential for sin in excessive talking. It suggests that wisdom is found in restraint and thoughtful speech, contrasting with the folly of chattering.

2. Proverbs 17:27-28 · "A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue." These verses underscore the value of silence and the perception of wisdom that comes from speaking less. Chattering, therefore, is seen as a lack of understanding and self-control.

3. Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 · "Do not be quick to speak, and do not let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool through many words." This passage warns against hasty speech, particularly in the presence of God, and associates excessive talking with foolishness.

4. James 1:19 · "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." The New Testament echoes the wisdom of the Old Testament, advising believers to prioritize listening over speaking, thus avoiding the pitfalls of chattering.

Theological Implications:

Chattering is often associated with a lack of discipline and wisdom. The Bible encourages believers to be mindful of their words, recognizing the power of speech to build up or tear down. Idle talk can lead to gossip, slander, and other sins that disrupt community and personal relationships. The emphasis on restraint and thoughtful communication reflects a broader biblical principle of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Practical Application:

In daily life, Christians are encouraged to practice discernment in their conversations. This involves being intentional about the words they choose, ensuring that their speech is edifying and reflective of their faith. By avoiding chattering, believers can foster an environment of respect and understanding, aligning their communication with biblical teachings.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, where oral communication was the primary means of sharing information, the control of one's tongue was a significant virtue. The biblical admonitions against chattering would have resonated deeply with communities that valued wisdom and the spoken word's power.

Conclusion:

The biblical perspective on chattering serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of measured and meaningful speech. By adhering to the scriptural guidance on communication, believers can cultivate a life that honors God and strengthens their relationships with others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Chatter.

2. (n.) The act or habit of talking idly or rapidly, or of making inarticulate sounds; the sounds so made; noise made by the collision of the teeth; chatter.

Greek
2981. lalia -- talk
... Transliteration: lalia Phonetic Spelling: (lal-ee-ah') Short Definition: speech,
talk, dialect Definition: (in classical Greek: babble, chattering) speech, talk ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2981.htm - 6k
Strong's Hebrew
6750. tsalal -- to tingle, quiver
... identical with tsalal through the idea of vibration); to tinkle, ie Rattle together
(as the ears in reddening with shame, or the teeth in chattering with fear ...
/hebrew/6750.htm - 6k
Library

Whether Fear Makes one Tremble?
... On the contrary, Cicero says (De Quaest. Tusc. iv, 8) that "fear is followed
by trembling, pallor and chattering of the teeth.". ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether fear makes one tremble.htm

The Seven Champions of Christendom
... "Gentle readers, in kindness accept my labours, and be not like the chattering
cranes, nor Momus' mates, that carp at everything. ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/title page.htm

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... There were the priests busily engaged with the money-changers. Nathanael, chief
orator of the Sanhedrin, stood conspicuous among the chattering throng. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

The Galleys
... of the parish, to whom before Vincent's arrival the hour of the Sunday Mass had
seemed too long for God's service and who had spent it chattering behind their ...
/.../forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 4 the galleys.htm

The Women of the Apostolic Age
... The Talmud placed in the same category with the pests of the world the gossiping
and inquisitive widow, who passed her life in chattering with her neighbors ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ii the women of the.htm

The Groups Round the Cross
... game. Look at them"chaffering, chattering, laughing; and, above their
heads, not a yard away, that Figure. What a picture! The ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xiii the groups round.htm

And as She Stood Looking Towards London, Diamond Saw that She was ...
... A great roar of wild animals rose as they rushed over the Zoological Gardens, mixed
with a chattering of monkeys and a screaming of birds; but it died away in ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 4 and as she.htm

"Attracted by the Influence"
... not understand it at all. The little child was chattering away, lifting
up a bright little face as she talked. When she saw me she ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xix attracted by the.htm

There is one Thing at Least of which There is Never So Much as A.. ...
... In this the poor are simply the priests of the universal civilization; and in their
stuffy feasts and solemn chattering there is the smell of the baked meats ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 40 there is one.htm

How to Meet God
... a place in our hearts and thoughts, that assuredly, unless by resolute effort,
frequently repeated, we clear a space in this crowded and chattering market-place ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/how to meet god.htm

Thesaurus
Chattering (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Chattering (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 10:8 The wise in
heart accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall. (WEB NIV). ...
/c/chattering.htm - 7k

Fool (95 Occurrences)
... noose. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart
accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall. (WEB ...
/f/fool.htm - 47k

Winking (2 Occurrences)
... Directing with his fingers, (YLT). Proverbs 10:10 One winking with the eye
causes sorrow, but a chattering fool will fall. (WEB YLT). ...
/w/winking.htm - 7k

Babbler (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A hound too noisy on finding a good scent. 3. (n.) A name given to any one
of family (Timalinae) of thrushlike birds, having a chattering note. Int. ...
/b/babbler.htm - 9k

Chavah

/c/chavah.htm - 6k

Chatterer (1 Occurrence)

/c/chatterer.htm - 7k

Augur (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) An official diviner who foretold events by the singing, chattering, flight,
and feeding of birds, or by signs or omens derived from celestial phenomena ...
/a/augur.htm - 7k

Causes (89 Occurrences)
... shame. (WEB). Proverbs 10:10 One winking with the eye causes sorrow, but
a chattering fool will fall. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs ...
/c/causes.htm - 33k

Accept (106 Occurrences)
... bribes! (Root in YLT NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart accept
commandments, but a chattering fool will fall. (WEB YLT NIV). ...
/a/accept.htm - 38k

Resources
What does the Bible say about talking too much / being talkative? | GotQuestions.org

Chattering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Chattering (2 Occurrences)

Proverbs 10:8
The wise in heart accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall.
(WEB NIV)

Proverbs 10:10
One winking with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering fool will fall.
(WEB NIV)

Subtopics

Chattering

Related Terms

Chattering (2 Occurrences)

Cheap (3 Occurrences)

Chatterer
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