“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.” (Prov. 15:28 ESV) 

Have you ever been quick to say something, then immediately afterwards regretted what you had just said? I have, many times, and I cringe when I remember them. In each case, if I had just taken a few seconds to pause and think, I would have held my tongue and avoided trouble.

The tongue is a fire

“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” (James 3:2-10 ESV)

It’s better to THINK before you speak!

Bad words spouted out quickly and rashly are like toothpaste. Once they are squeezed out of the tube, they are impossible to get back in. It’s much better to hold your tongue, take a breath, breathe slowly, count to ten, and then ponder the following five questions in this well known acrostic THINK before you speak.

T: Is it truthful?

Is what I’m about to say the truth?

H: Is it helpful?

Or will it simply harm the other person?

I: Is it inspirational?

Does it build up or does it tear down?

N: Is it necessary?

If it’s not necessary, why do I need to say it?

K: Is it kind?

Your mother was right when she uttered those famous words, “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” 

Keeping control of what you say will keep you out of trouble

“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” (Prov. 21:23 ESV)

Give grace to those who hear

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Eph. 4:29 ESV)

A soft answer

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Prov. 15:1 ESV)