Before You Speak . . .

I come from a long line of talkers. And when you’re a talker, it doesn’t take much to blurt out the first thing that comes to your mind. The oops comes later when you realize you should have filtered your thoughts a little more before you opened your mouth. Even worse is having no idea you’ve hurt or offended someone else by your careless words.

I say this from experience. And I’ve had to learn some lessons the hard way.

I had a revelation many years ago that has stuck with me, as revelations are intended to do. I make a point to keep it handy.

You do not have the right to speak whatever comes into your mind.

You don’t have the right to say words that destroy others. You don’t have the right to say words that are hurtful and damaging. You don’t have the right to say words that cause strife and dissension.

Words are living things. They have power. And once you’ve said them out loud you can never take them back. They are out there forever. FOREVER. You are the gatekeeper of your words. You have the choice as to which ones you allow to come out of your mouth.

It is so important to THINK before you speak. I saw this acronym years ago:

T – is it TRUE?

H – is it HELPFUL?

I – is it INSPIRING?

N – is it NECESSARY?

K – is it KIND?

If what you have to say isn’t any of those of things, perhaps the words shouldn’t be spoken at all.

“Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.” Proverbs 12:18 (The Message)