Words are very powerful.
It can build up or it can destroy.
It can encourage or it can discourage.
It can make peace or start a war.
It can speak life or it can speak death.
You won’t believe the amount of damage people cause just because they don’t take time to think about what they will say.
We need to be wise before we speak.
Everything that we say, whether good or bad, has an effect on us and on other people.
The question is, how can we be WISE when we SPEAK?
Allow me to share with you the guidelines I personally follow before I speak.
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it just a story or some gossip, or is it the entire truth?
Sometimes we have a habit of distorting the truth for our own good.
Other times, we keep our mouths shut because we don’t want to say the truth.
We should always speak the truth because it is the truth that will set us free. So if what you’re saying is not the truth, it’s best that you don’t say anything at all.
If what you’re trying to speak is the truth, then you have no reason to be afraid. But before you speak, make sure you are doing it in wisdom – which brings me to my next question…
Is it HELPFUL?
Will what you say be helpful or will it cause trouble?
Will it boost his/her confidence, or will it just lower his/her self-esteem? If it won’t be helpful to others, it’s best that you don’t say it anymore.
Is it INSPIRING?
Will it inspire others to do good, to change for the better and to live life to the fullest? Or will what you have to say only cause them heartache and headache, and a lot of stress? We should always strive to be an inspiration to others, not an exasperation.
Is it NECESSARY?
Do you really have to say it, or can you just brush it off? There are some things that are better left unsaid.
Sometimes, conflicts arise because the things that should be left unsaid are still spoken about.
Just let it slide. No one has ever died from holding one’s tongue.
Is it KIND?
When we say something, what is our intention? What is our motive?
Is it done out of love or hate?
Is it done out of humility or pride?
Always use kind words especially when you want to address an issue.
Sometimes, it’s not the words that you say that hurt others, but the manner by which you say it.
So if the opportunity presents itself for you to speak, make sure you ask yourself these following questions:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it HELPFUL?
Is it INSPIRING?
Is it NECESSARY?
Is it KIND?
The choice is yours. Be wise. Think before you speak.
THINK. REFLECT. REPLY.
Think about the way that you speak. How is it?
Do you think before you speak?
Do you always speak life or death?
Are you a blessing to the people around you?
