James 1:19 has always been a cautionary verse for me, causing me to be aware of my words!
19 Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.
When we decide to speak before we hear, we will most times be speaking out of turn. We may THINK we have an accurate handle on a situation, only to find out, UPON LISTENING, that we had it wrong! Being slow to speak will save us from embarrassment and also from declaring things with our powerful words that we really do not want to have happen! When we are promised that we can have what we say (John 15:7), we should make sure that we only say what we REALLY want! Today's reading in Proverbs 18 has much to say about this subject, too! Verses 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 13, 20 and 21:
2 A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.
4 The words of a [discreet and wise] man’s mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].
6 A [self-confident] fool’s lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A [self-confident] fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.
8 The words of a whisperer or talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears the facts—it is folly and shame to him.
20 A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].
As born again, Spirit-filled believers, let's choose to be an example of excellence when it comes to the Word of God, so that we can be a blessing, encouragement and example to others, and not a hindrance to their growth in the things of God! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "Say The Word":
Shalom in Him!
