Friend, confession, sometimes I need to spend more time thinking before speaking. Whether I’m upset, angry, or just too overly excited. I am an emotional person and I feel things big. Thinking before speaking is something that I need to always be conscientious about. It can be hard; I am the first to admit that. Although it is so important that as we may think with our heart, that we also think with our head. That we use wisdom and be careful on what we say, when we say it, how it is said, and if it needs to be. Some people are so good at being consistently level headed, an admirable trait! My husband is often more level headed than me, in most instances. I have learned much from him. We often joke about how he helps slow me down in all the best ways and keep me balanced. I think of Jesus and how level headed and composed He must have been when dealing with all the things He dealt with; good and bad. He knew when to speak, and when not to. He knew what to say, what not to say, and how to say it. I truly believe this is a big reason why people listened to Him, because He spoke with wisdom and love and not just emotion. I am learning my friend. If you already do great at this, I think that is wonderful. Although if you’re like me and your still learning, we’ll get there. May we pray, read His word, watch those whom do a good job at this, and especially handle things the best we can like Jesus. For when we learn to think before we speak, it is there where people can best listen and hear what we have to say. Though also, we can better hear them too.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Think before speaking

Proverbs 17:28 NIV

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

James 1:19 NIV

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

Proverbs 15:28 NIV

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

Proverbs 16:23 NIV

The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.