There is a little member of our body that can cause some mighty big problems—the tongue.
A few words can encourage someone for a lifetime, but a few careless words can also leave a wound that takes years to heal. That is why wisdom isn’t only knowing what to say. Sometimes wisdom is knowing when not to say anything at all.
Proverbs 17:28 says:
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise.”
We don’t have to respond to everything. We don’t have to correct every person, win every argument, or have the last word.
Sometimes the strongest response is silence.
Before you speak today, ask yourself: Does it need to be said? Does it need to be said by me? Does it need to be said right now? Will my words help or hurt?
Once words leave our mouths, we cannot pull them back. We may apologize for them, but we cannot make the other person unhear them.
James 1:19 gives us some wonderful advice:
“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Notice the order: listen first—speak later.
Today, don’t feel like you have to fill every silence. Don’t let anger make your decisions for your tongue. Give yourself time to think before you answer.
You may discover that some of the words you almost said were better left unsaid.
Thought for September 27
A wise person doesn’t say everything they think. Sometimes the greatest control you can have over your tongue is simply keeping your mouth closed.
Before you speak—pause, think, and ask: “Will these words make things better?” If not, silence may be the wisest answer.
