Think Before You Speak

6/2/2012

If you have ever put your foot in your mouth, you have probably discovered that shoe leather does not tase good. I have been accused of taking my foot out of my mouth only to make room for the other one.

Speaking before you think is a dangerous thing. It can be destructive and often will get you in trouble. Off the cuff remarks, while they might be witty and humorous, can do damage. It is important to learn to put your brain in gear before you open your mouth to speak.

Dr. Neil Wyrick offers the following suggestions to help us engage in positive speech (http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/):

Spell out the word think and examine each letter one by one.

T...is it true? This tale or opinion of someone or does it resemble to some degree distortions of a funhouse mirror...with no fun at all attending.

H...is it helpful? Will it clear the air or pollute the air?

I...is it inspiring? Will it make the angels sing or the devils dance or logic weep?

N...is it necessary that we spread the story? Will the world be a better or worse place by our answer and action applied to this question?

K...is it kind? Ah, that word kindness cuts to the heart of the matter now doesn't it?"

"A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!" (James 3:3-5, The Message).

"If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless" (James 1:26, New Living Translation).