Think before you Speak

Have you ever said something that you wished you could take back? It could’ve been an argument with a spouse or child. Or perhaps it was something said as a joke that wasn’t quite right. Maybe you participated in a gossip session or slandered someone. Whatever the reason, our words are important and taken into account when we stand before God. What are some ways that we can become better stewards of our conversations? Let’s try to T-H-I-N-K before we speak:

T – Talk to God first thing in the morning. (Psalms 88:13)
Begin each day asking God for His strength and grace to help us overcome this weakness so that He may be glorified by the words of our mouth. We can ask the Holy Spirit to create a greater sensitivity in our hearts to those we will interact with during the day.

H – Have an accountability partner to confide in when you fall short. (James 5:16)
We can be honest with a mentor or close friend about our weakness so that they can advise and rebuke us if necessary. There’s something about knowing a friend is going to ask about our weakness that helps in the restraint of our words.

I – Internalize your thoughts before sharing them with others. (James 1:19)
Sometimes just a slight pause can help us rephrase what we were going to say or perhaps (even better) not say it at all. There’s a discipline to being a more active listener than always having to say something about everything.

N – Navigate your words to line up with scripture. (Psalms 19:14)
God’s word is full of admonishments for believers to be proactive in their faith with edifying and encouraging words. We need to know the Bible so that we know how to speak honestly even in difficult situations.

K – Keep more to yourself than what you share with others. (Proverbs 29:11)
Most of what we want to say—doesn’t need to be heard by anyone. We are deemed wise when we restrain ourselves from always having to talk. Silence can be golden.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I need to slow down and think more about my words before they leave my mouth. I pray for your Holy Spirit to give me insight and direction to overcome speaking too quickly and inappropriately. Amen.

In His Service,

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