To Think…..Before We Speak

I can’t wrap my head around things being said and done, not only in my family, but society too.

So often we think AFTER we speak! You’d think (lol) that after the first or second time we regret doing so, we’d stop. Yet, we don’t. Maybe for a time we can bite our tongue, but at some point it will happen again.

I’m always reminding my kids that God has given us one mouth, and two ears. We should be listening more than we’re talking.

We should think even more than we listen!

Thinking

Recently I began memorizing scripture with Becky, and the first verse we worked on was Philippians 4:8 

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

I remember memorizing this verse as a child, so it always brings a smile to my face. A smile that only a childhood memory can.

I’m beginning to wonder…..to think, how our lives…..even our world might be different if we lived out this verse.

Truth, honesty, purity, justice, lovely good report…..virtue….praise….

How often does your mind wander? I know mine likes to take long walks….down memory lane, into my “brothers” business, reliving regrets, etc. More often than not, I find myself wandering into negativity, nosiness, self pity, etc. None of which are listed in the verse from Philippians.

I had the idea of keeping a list, of the random thoughts that “pop” into my head. Then using this list and comparing it to the above scripture. I’m afraid I would be even more disappointed than I am just imagining it.

Tweet —->   We must rule our thoughts. We must rein them in. We must bring every thought captive!

2 Corinthians 10:5

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

Speaking

Speaking comes easily to most…..too easily for me. Often I am full steam ahead before I realize I’ve put my foot in my mouth. Again.

I’ve grown to admire women that are quiet, that listen and when they speak kindness flows from their lips.

One day I hope to be more thought filled. I know that the only way I will ever be more like this is if I practice.

There are some wonderful guidelines in God’s Word about our speech.

• We are to listen before we speak

Proverbs 18:13

^” He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

• We are to let our words be few.