diff --git a/markov/views.py b/markov/views.py
index c25df84..715cdb5 100644
--- a/markov/views.py
+++ b/markov/views.py
@@ -66,6 +66,10 @@ def _learn_line(line, context):
     words = line.split()
     words = [MarkovState._start1, MarkovState._start2] + words + [MarkovState._stop]
 
+    for word in words:
+        if len(word) > MarkovState._meta.get_field('k1').max_length:
+            return
+
     for i, word in enumerate(words):
         log.debug("{0:s},{1:s} -> {2:s}".format(words[i], words[i+1], words[i+2]))
         state, created = MarkovState.objects.get_or_create(context=context,