Proverbs 14 : 23 Loose lips can sink more than ships

Do you remember your folks or your grandparents talking about or saying this phrase?

This is a representation of a poster that was widely used in World War II.  It cautioned civilians and servicemen alike to be careful what they talked about, and where they talked about it. They were not to discuss where their unit was headed, or when they would leave. The implication was that they might be overheard by someone who would funnel that information to the enemy, and a ship might sink, or a plane be shot down. So loose lips, and careless, thoughtless talk, was to be avoided.

Today's verse carries a similar warning for us. Let's look at it:

Pro 14:23  In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

I don't think I'm stretching a point to say that this is just as true in our spiritual lives as in our everyday lives. Let's look at the everyday life application first, OK?  Some old country sayings come to mind here...."many hands make light work" and "keep your nose to the grindstone" --- well, you know what I mean. Most of us have been instructed since we were knee-high to a duck that we needed to stay busy.   Not being busy for the sake of being busy, but industrious, working to accomplish goals.  To do our work with all of our might, or as in Colossians, "as unto the Lord."  Truly, people who do this will thrive, and accomplish much, either short term or in the end.

On the other hand, just talking about what we need to do, or should do, won't accomplish anything at all. And here is where we can make the application to our spiritual lives: if we are earnest about our Bible study and prayer, and give it honest effort, then we will gain so very much. If we have loose lips, and only "talk the talk" then we will not see the progress and profit that will bring us closer to our Lord.