Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has advised that the Hadīth prohibits much talk. Thus it is mentioned that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said; “Do not speak much, for verily, much talk without Zikrullah hardens the heart.”
Generally, speech is divided into three kinds: Harmful, Beneficial and Futile. Futile means that the talk is neither beneficial nor harmful. However, this division into three categories is a mere superfluity. In reality, there are only two kinds of talk: harmful and beneficial. Futile talk is also harmful although it may appear neither harmful nor beneficial. However, experience has confirmed that such talk does not remain within the limits of futility. If someone begins taking opium, it will not remain in moderation. On the contrary, the use will become excessive and the substance will be abused.
(SOURCE: MALFOOZAAT OF HAZRAT MOULANA ASHRAF ALI THAANWI SAHIB رحمه الله, PART 6)
Note: Similarly, futile speech will result in excesses, which in turn leads to sin.