"The quickest way to see what’s in someone’s heart is to hear what comes out of their mouth!" Alistair Begg
"The Use and Abuse of Words"...Truthforlife.org
Why does this topic keep coming to my attention? Lord, are you trying to "break through?" We know a few people with whom we feel comfortable saying "anything." They are trustworthy not to "judge" us on a few misspoken words or confessed emotions.
One of the highest compliments I have ever heard spoken of someone was this: "I have never heard '======' say the wrong thing." What a contrast this statement to what someone said to me in my teens:: "You are not known for your tactfulness." Ugh! Hard to hear!
I've taken each of these thoughts to heart and I've attempted to do better. I've learned to attempt to use "sandwich" speech...wrapping something negative in a softer wrapping. "With the power of a few simple words we can either build someone up or tear them down." ( Alistair Begg)
We may have also heard someone quote: " Better to remain silent and thought wise, than to open your mouth and be proven a fool."
" He who guards his lips, guards his life He who speaks rashly, comes to ruin."
The words you speak come out of the heart--that's what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying and slander. - Matthew 15:18,19
A truly wise person uses few words - Prov. 17:27
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. - Prov.10:19
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You MUST all be quick to "listen", slow to speak, and slow to get angry. - James 1:19
Spouting off before "listening" to the facts is both SHAMEFUL and FOOLISH. - Prov. 18:13
One of the reasons I will not watch certain television shows is that the participants won't "hear each other out." They seem to delight in "interrupting" which means one watching cannot understand 'either' party.
I'm not saying I'm perfect in this regard. I may be guilty of interrupting on occasion, but I'm annoyed with myself when I do and particularly annoyed when I'm the one who is interrupted. I try to be a good listener and I also appreciate someone who IS! I find it funny that, through the years, as I have thought more on the topic of "listening," and it has become such a concern to me, I will be asked occasionally, when I'm on the phone, "Are you there?" That's because I'm thinking....just attempting to not react, but respond to what I may have heard.
Jesus listened and asked questions the Bible tells us. Mary sat at his feet to listen to him teach. I think we should attempt to listen more since there are so many (many are good) sources to bring us words: Radio, TV, telephones, laptops, tablets, etc. We can hardly begin to take in ALL the information we may be exposed to daily (even hourly).
I don't want to be a 'nag' on the topic of words, speech, and all that can be said on that subject, but it seems to be a subject the Holy Spirit wants to "drive home."
That reminds me that after I attended a Toastmaster's meeting recently, I now notice how many "uh's" we hear from folks who are speaking on TV. That can be a troublesome tool for taking time to think...better to say nothing than "uh".
Okay, I think I've finished this subject for a while. Let me hear your thoughts!
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