“In multiloquio non deerit peccatum, qui autem moderatur labia sua prudentissimus est.”
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
“When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”
“In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.”
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely.”
Sin. A prolix discourse on subjects of importance is not reprehended. (St. Augustine, Retrac. 1.) — But it is very difficult to speak much, without going against some virtue. (Calmet)
We are here told, and we may depend upon it, 1. That men's integrity will be their security: He that walks uprightly towards God and man, that is faithful to both, that designs as he ought and means as he says, walks surely; he is safe under a divine protection and easy in a holy security. He goes on his way with a humble boldness, being well armed against the temptations of Satan, the troubles of the world, and the reproaches of men. He knows what ground he stands on, what guide he follows, what guard he is surrounded with, and what glory he is going to, and therefore proceeds with assurance and great peace, Isa 32 17; 33 15, 16. Some understand it as part of the character of an upright man, that he walks surely, in opposition to walking at all adventures. He will not dare to do that which he is not fully satisfied in his own conscience concerning the lawfulness of, but will see his way clear in every thing. 2. That men's dishonesty will be their shame: He that perverts his way, that turns aside into crooked paths, that dissembles with God and man, looks one way and rows another, though he may for a time disguise himself, and pass current, shall be known to be what he is. It is a thousand to one but some time or other he betrays himself; at least, God will discover him in the great day. He that perverts his ways documento erit—shall be made an example of, for warning to others; so some.