Think Before You Speak - Sermon Body Series

Using the acronym THINK, try to ask these 5 questions before you speak.

T – True

Is it True? Remember this rule about gossip: “The more interesting it is, the more likely it is to be false.”

ILLUS: If I counsel a couple, and listen to only one side and then make my judgment, that would not be very professional. In fact, it would show poor judgment and be downright tacky. I agree. And whenever anyone hears half the story, repeats it to others, gets them all worked up, without ever hearing the other side of the story, that’s pretty tacky.

Psalm 15:2-4 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. 4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: But they that deal truly are his delight.

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

NOTE: I am responsible for what I pass along just the same as if I had originated it!

Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: Therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Proverbs 20:19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore associate not with him who talks too freely.

Proverbs 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

QUOTE: Chuck Swindoll recommends asking, “Can I quote you on that?”

QUOTE: Beth Moore recommends saying, “Here’s what I like about that person. What do you like?”

H – Helpful

Is it Helpful? Will your words help bring about a solution to a problem?

QUOTE: Think First. I know of a young mother who asks her kids a question on a regular basis: “Are your words flames or flowers?” This helps her children realize that they have a choice to make ¬ they can plant beautiful flowers with their words or they can unleash a raging fire. Brian Bill

QUOTE: Someone coined the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Whoever said that could have never been more wrong. Broken bones heal much quicker than the wounds left by an out of control tongue. I know people to this day, and there may those sitting in this room this morning, who are still suffering from the aftermath of a tongue lashing. Rick Adams

Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: And a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Ephesians 4:29 (AMP) Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.

I – Inspiring

Is it inspiring? Will your words build up someone?

Proverbs 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: But the tongue of the wise is health.

Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: But a good word maketh it glad.

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Colossians 4:5–6 (KJV 1900) — 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

ILLUS: Boy with the birthmark. His dad told him, I’m glad you have that. That’s how I find you in a crowd. The little boy told one man, I feel sorry for people without a birthmark like mine! The father’s words made all the difference.

N – Necessary

Is it Necessary? Do we have to say anything at all?

Psalm 141:3 Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; Keep the door of my lips.

Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: But he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Proverbs 11:12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.