Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth,
keep the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3 (KJV)
Have you ever spoken thoughtlessly and then quickly regretted it? You know what I mean, when the words you were thinking come blurting out of your mouth without much thought of what your words can do to others?
What about sharing something with someone else that should never be shared, betraying a confidence given to us to keep private?
I think sadly we all are guilty of that.
When does sharing something with someone become gossip?
Ask your self the following questions when you are speaking~
- Is it kind (would you say what you are saying if the person you are speaking about could hear you)?
- Is it necessary (for the hearer to know)?
- Is it true (do you know this for a fact or is it hear say)?
- Is it confidential (is someone trusting you with this)?
- Is it beneficial (for the person you are talking about, or the person hearing it)?
May we all strive for our words to become gifts too one another, to edify, encourage and build up, and bring healing.
Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Ephesians 4:29
(Good New Translation)
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18
(NIV)
A good reminder Charlotte, thanks !!
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts are much appreciated. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think I should read this every morning before starting my day. Haha thank you for that!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte you've hit the nail on the head--great advice!!! The five questions are definitely useful. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteA great reminder, Char... excellent thoughts !
ReplyDeleteand I love the photo...:-)
I needed to hear this today. I was really hurt by someone and spoke out of turn that hurt out relationship more than healed it. Then out of my own bruised ego I went and told someone else. I think I have some forgiveness to do, and also to ask for. God sure has a way of tapping a person on the shoulder.
ReplyDeleteIn the words of my young son..."ouch! That hit me."
ReplyDeleteMy friend has used THINK as a way to remember
ReplyDeletethis info
T thoughtful
H honest
I intelligent
N neccessary
K kind
altho I can sometimes rationalize about the first 4 the kind stops me cold
thank you for the reminder
Thank you for the great reminder to stop and think before I speak. I appreciated your 5 points....easy tips to remember....may God give me the wisdom to use them and heed His words of counsel in this whole area.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the great reminder to stop and think before I speak. I appreciated your 5 points....easy tips to remember....may God give me the wisdom to use them and heed His words of counsel in this whole area.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I needed to hear this right now.
ReplyDeleteReading this on Monday morning...God definitely has a way of bringing us to our knees. Thank you so much for posting what I needed to hear, when I needed to hear it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not usually one for the Bible but this is a great post. Thank you.
ReplyDelete