WE SHOULD THINK BEFORE WE SPEAK

Proclamation:

"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin."  Proverbs 13:3 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words of King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, were written under the inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God to the people of God to share his insights on human behavior and how believers should conduct themselves.  His point here was that believers should control their tongue, and not speak everything they think.  Harsh and rash words will not produce anything good.  Those who refuse to engage their brain before they speak will do more harm than good.  They will usually end up creating a far worse situation by speaking without first thinking.

Application:

There is a very familiar and popular quote which says, "Think before you speak." (Unknown)  We should engage our brain before we engage our mouth.  Most of us would be better off if we would put this into practice.  However, there is another quote based upon a similar principal which takes this to a somewhat higher level.  “If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." (Thumper, the rabbit, in the Disney animated film entitled "Bambi".  He may not be the original author, but that was the first time that I heard it)  As believers before we speak we should ask ourselves these three questions. One, is it truthful?  Two, is it helpful?  Three, is it kind?  If what we were going to say is untruthful, we should forget it.  If it is not going to help the person, or the situation, we should keep it to ourselves.  If it is not kind, or is insensitive, it is better left unsaid.  We should always let our speech be filled with the grace of God. (Colossians 4:6)  Some of the things that we say just do not need to be said.  We need to pray and ask God to help us control our words and our thoughts as well as our behavior.

Speak Wholesome Helpful Conversations

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve The Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."  Ephesians 4:29-30 (NIV)

In his letter to the believers in The Church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul to guide and direct them in their Christian walk.  Under the direction and influence of The Holy Spirit of God, Paul told them to let their speech and choice of words reflect a Christ-like communication.  Their words should benefit the listener, and they should build each other up when they speak.  He told them to control their tongue and not let any unwholesome words come out of their mouths, least they grieve The Holy Spirit of God.

We know that telling a lie is a sin. (Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 14:5, and Matthew 19:18)  However for some unknown reason, a lot of us seem to think that it is okay to use foul language and profanities in our conversation.  We will have to give an account for every word that we speak. (Matthew 12:36)  If what we say does not give glory to God, then it is a sin. (1 John 5:17)  We need to clean up our communications.  It has been said that "the use of profanity is just a weak mind trying to express itself forcefully." (author unknown)  Our communication should always be Christ-like, even when we are upset, hurt, or angry. (Colossians 3:8 and James 3:6)  Additionally, if what we have to say will not be helpful to the listener, then it should not be said.  On three occasions The Bible gives an example of men being told to encourage another. (Deuteronomy 1:38, Deuteronomy 3:28, and 2 Samuel 11:25)  Our conversations should please, and not grieve The Holy Spirit of God.

Be Thankful And Grateful For Those Who Help You

"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers ... I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." Philemon 1:4-7 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul is writing to his friend Philemon with a special request on behalf of Onesimus. Paul tells him that he is thankful for him and that he prays for him. Paul also tells him that he has been a source of joy and and an encouragement to him.

We ought to be thankful for the people that God has placed in our lives who have been helpful to us. We should also let them know that we are grateful for what they have done for us. We should let people know that the things that they have said and done have brought joy into our lives and that they have been a source of encouragement to us. People do not have to be kind or nice to us, and we should be thankful and grateful when they are. We ought to tell them how we feel while we have the opportunity. Life is short, and tomorrow is not promised to us.