Think Before You Speak

Taking a moment to think before you speak is like installing a verbal facemask —it gives you a chance to avoid regrettable word splatter before it happens.

Now, let’s be honest—there are four types of people in this world:

1. Those who think before they speak (a rare and majestic species).

2. Those who think while they speak (also known as “talking in circles” experts).

3. Those who think after they speak (usually while cleaning up the mess they just made).

4. And then there are those who just speak… and never think. (We all know at least one, don’t we?)

(The Power of Your Words: How God Can Bless Your Life through the Words That You Speak. By Robert Morris. Bethany House Publishers, 2006. Page 86)

Which one are you? When people describe you, do they say, “You know what I love about them? They always think before they talk. Never a reckless word!” Or do they shake their heads and say, “Well… they sure do have a way with words… a way of using too many at the wrong time.”

No matter where you fall on this list, the good news is that thinking before speaking is a skill you can train—like learning to whistle or resisting the urge to comment on someone’s questionable outfit choices. It just takes a little patience, a little self-control, and maybe a few deep breaths before opening your mouth.