THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!

Read Proverbs 15:23-33

Proverbs 15:28, "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things." 

Two contrasting thoughts are presented in this verse. First, the righteous are careful in how they respond with an answer. Secondly, ungodly fools pour out all kinds of evil. Words do impact people far more than we will ever know. Because of this, to study how you are going to answer is wise.    

Two other verses in this chapter speak to giving study to how we answer people.   Proverbs 15:1, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” The word "soft" has the idea of that which is tender or delicate.  It takes great discipline to answer people in this manner.  The word "grievous" speaks of that which is painful or hurtful.  It is important to choose our words with care so they can minister grace to the hearers.  

The other verse in this chapter is Proverbs 15:18, "A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife."  Again, before we answer, we must determine what our words are going to do. Will our words stir up strife, or will they silence or appease strife?  Relationships are the most important thing in life.  Our relationship with God is the most important, followed by our relationships with others. This is obvious in the words spoken by Jesus when asked about the great commandment. He answered by providing the answer to the great commandment, but also that which is second. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (Matthew 22:37-39).  Loving God and others is the Biblical approach to building relationships.  Our words, in all cases, must be wisely chosen.  As those who are righteous, we must be discreet in what we say, because those who are foolish pour out evil.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  What does it mean for you to study before you answer?  Why is this difficult for many?

2.  Have you ever responded with a soft answer?  How about with grievous words? What kind of result did each answer bring about?

3.  What can you do as it relates to speech to strengthen your relationships?

4.  Describe two of the most important relationships you possess?