“Dear brothers and sisters,[a] not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” v 1-2 (NLT)
What you say and what you don’t say are important. To use proper speech you must not only say the right words at the right time but also not say what you shouldn’t. Examples of an untamed tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying. Our words have the ability to build people up or tear them down.
I have found that if I think before I speak, I use better words. This forces me not to spout off in the moment. (i am still working through this). Before you speak ask yourself are my words . . .
TRUTHFUL – is this fact or gossip?
HELPFUL – Do my words help them or hurt them? Constructive criticism is helpful when it’s done in love. When its not done in love that’s just criticism.
INSPIRATIONAL – Does it bring them closer to God or push them further from God? Does it inspire them to do grater things?
NECESSARY – Do I need to even say anything? Sometimes we are smarter with our mouth’s shut!
KIND – Are my words kind?
Today, let’s think twice before we speak once. Words are powerful … use them wisely!!!!
Dan Gould 