Tongue: Loquacious
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The term "loquacious" refers to a tendency to talk a great deal, often excessively. In the context of the Bible, the use of the tongue and the propensity for excessive speech are subjects of considerable attention, with numerous passages addressing the power, potential, and pitfalls of speech.

Biblical Warnings Against Excessive Speech

The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of excessive or careless speech. Proverbs 10:19 states, "When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." This verse highlights the inherent risk of sinning through excessive talking, suggesting that wisdom is found in restraint and thoughtful speech.

James 1:19 further advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." This counsel underscores the importance of listening over speaking, promoting a measured and deliberate approach to communication.

The Power of the Tongue

The Bible acknowledges the significant power of the tongue, both for good and for harm. James 3:5-6 illustrates this dual potential: "In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

This passage vividly describes the tongue's capacity to cause destruction, likening it to a fire that can consume and corrupt. The imagery serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and control over one's speech.

Speech Reflecting the Heart

The Bible teaches that speech is a reflection of the heart's condition. Jesus emphasizes this in Matthew 12:34 : "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." This principle suggests that loquaciousness, especially when it leads to harmful or sinful speech, may indicate deeper spiritual issues that need addressing.

Encouragement for Edifying Speech

While the Bible warns against excessive and harmful speech, it also encourages the use of the tongue for edification and encouragement. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This verse calls believers to use their words constructively, promoting grace and edification.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a comprehensive view of the tongue's role in human interaction, emphasizing the need for restraint, wisdom, and intentionality in speech. While loquaciousness can lead to sin and destruction, the tongue also holds the potential for great good when used in alignment with biblical principles.
Nave's Topical Index
Proverbs 10:8,19
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Symbols of Pythagoras.
... counsels "not to have a swallow in the house;" that is, not to receive a loquacious,
whispering, garrulous ... "But, I, too, have a key as a guard on my tongue.". ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter v on the symbols of.htm

Directions for those who Live Together.
... "For dreadful in his destruction is a loquacious man." [1450] And it is with triflers
as with old shoes: all the rest is worn away by evil; the tongue only is ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vii directions for those who.htm

Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It.
... Doctrine is not an affair of the tongue, but of the life; is not ... ought to be the
mistress of their conduct, convert it into mere loquacious sophistry, with how ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sergieff/on the christian life/chapter i life of a.htm

The Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It.
... Doctrine is not an affair of the tongue, but of the life; is not ... ought to be the
mistress of their conduct, convert it into mere loquacious sophistry, with how ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 6 the life of.htm

Acts xii. 18, 19
... Give me a handsome girl, but turbulent (tetaragmenen), loquacious, railing, given
to drink ... part that has this operation"for our mouth and tongue are meant for ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvii acts xii 18.htm

What Sort of Prayer the Gnostic Employs, and How it is Heard by ...
... Whence God does not wait for loquacious tongues, as interpreters among men, but
knows ... life, he has freedom of speech, not the power of a babbling tongue, but a ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vii what sort of prayer.htm

Useful Phrases
... false illusions. faltering tongue. familiar sacredness. ... longing fancy. looming
probabilities. loquacious assurances [loquacious = very talkative]. lordly abhorrence ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

Pastor in Parish (ii. ).
... have sometimes to remember that sensible precept of the Rabbis, "Teach thy tongue
to say ... beside her, and draw her on to speak (she is no loquacious person by ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter viii pastor in parish.htm

Aubrey Leigh was a Man who had Chosen his Own Way of Life...
... His book was in everyone's hand"his name on everyone's tongue. ... and worked with them
in all weathers, had without any boast or loquacious preparation, made ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xviii aubrey leigh was a.htm

Book Twelve the Mode of Creation and the Truth of Scripture. ...
... Inquiry is more loquacious than discovery. ... CHAPTER II. 2. In lowliness my tongue
confesses to thy exaltation, for thou madest heaven and earth. ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book twelve the mode of.htm

Resources
What does it mean to speak life? | GotQuestions.org

What are idle words (Matthew 12:36)? | GotQuestions.org

What is pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27)? | GotQuestions.org

Tongue: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Tongue

Tongue: Confusion of

Tongue: Gift of

Tongue: Hasty

Tongue: Language

Tongue: Loquacious

Tongue: Restrained by Wisdom

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Tongue: Language
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