Think Before Speaking

THINK

T is for TRUE

H is for HELPFUL

I is for INSPIRATIONAL

N is for NECESSARY

K is for KIND

T- is it true? Before you say anything ask yourself if it's really true. Proverbs 16:13 "Kings take pleasure in honest lips;they value a man who speaks the truth." Is this absolute truth? Anything beyond this is evil. Don't exaggerate. Don't embellish. That is going beyond the truth.

H- is it helpful? If you've established that what you're about to say is true, now ask yourself if it's helpful. Consider Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Before you say anything ask if what you're wanting to say going to help this person. Be careful not to stop at truth. People say things that damage and hurt others and then throw out the silly statement, "well, it's true" as if that makes it okay. The Bible does not give us permission to say anything just because it's true. It's not good enough just to make true statements. It must be helpful and build others up.

I- is it inspirational? Does it bring people to God? Does it bring glory to God? 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

N- is it necessary? Why are you talking? Proverbs 10:19 "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." The more you talk, the more chance you have to sin. So, ask yourself these questions. Do I have to say this? Is this really necessary? Why am I about to say what I'm about to say?

K- is it kind? Colossians 4:6 "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Proverbs 12:25 "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." Everything that comes out of our mouth should be kind, giving and full of grace.

Let's THINK before we speak about anyone, including our family members and celebrities. The Bible doesn't make exceptions and neither should we. Let's go out and love!