Think Before You Speak
Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Insight
A man who speaks in haste is a fool because he blurts out thoughtless, insensitive remarks, sometimes answering before he listens. In fact he is worse than a fool. Speaking in haste and being conceited are two things for which there is less hope than for being a fool. This kind of person brings trouble on himself and others. 1
Application
Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.
Ecclesiastes 5:2
Consider the word THINK before you speak next time. Is it:
T – true
H – helpful
I – inspiring
N – necessary
K – kind
Motivation
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James 1:19
You can never take back words that were carelessly spoken to a friend or spouse or child.
Prayer
Father, please purify my lips before I open them. Teach me to THINK first.
1. Walvoord, J. F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.