1. Listening should take precedence over speaking. 

Honestly, I think a lot of relationship troubles could be solved if we made the commitment to listen more than we speak. Gosh this is hard, isn’t it? Sometimes when I’m listening to someone all I can focus on is when I’m going to be able to jump in and say what’s screaming in my brain. Later I realize all that focus on my next words prevented me from really listening to what they were trying to say. 

What if I made the commitment today to do more listening than speaking? I’m going to challenge myself to not interrupt. Wait until there is a true pause in the conversation. Truly consider what the other person has said. And then respond with care. 

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13

2. Words should be measured. 

I need to engage my brain before I engage my mouth. Just like I consider how a purchase will affect my bank account, I have to consider how words will affect my relationship account. I can do this by thinking about how my words will come across and intentionally asking myself if there are better words that could be used in this situation? 

“A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” Proverbs 18:2

3. Once words are spoken, I can’t un-speak them. 

Once words come out of my mouth I can’t gather them back in. It’s like once you squeeze too much toothpaste out, you can’t get it back into the tube. Now certainly, I can quickly say I’m sorry. I can ask for forgiveness. I can attempt to make the wrong right. But I can’t un-speak my words. 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21 

If my greatest desire is to honor the Lord with every word I say and interaction I have, these three things are crucial for me to keep in mind. Instead of allowing my flesh reactions to lead me, I’ve got to boss my thoughts and opinions around using God’s Truth. 

Dear Lord, I always want my words to reflect the fact that You live within me. But sometimes my first reaction isn’t as God-honoring as it should be. Help me to keep these three perspectives in mind as I deny my flesh response and follow Your teaching in this. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

When I read this devotion I couldn’t help but think of one word, guilty. Sometimes we talk too much. I believe we all struggle with this very thing from time to time, but if we would make a deliberate effort to do these three things and follow after what God’s word says, we will find our words will honor The Lord. 

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 

Today’s Reading is Isaiah 46:4