Today I’m reminded of just easy it is to say something and not realize just how long they may linger on the consciousness of the one to whom they were spoken. I’m not sure if it’s my innate nature that makes me dwell on things long after they have been said or whether I’ve been conditioned to over the course of time. At any rate, I tend to turn things over and over in my mind attempting to dissect events and how I should or could do things differently next time. The enemy has a little field day whispering just what did they mean when she said ….
I’m reminded of T H I N K principle I can across some time ago. Before speaking is it
True?
Helpful?
Inspiring?
Necessary?
Kind?
A few scriptures that remind us of the importance of of our words:
People can get many good things by the words they say; the work of their hands also gives them many benefits. Proverbs 12:14 NLT
The talk of fools is a rod for their backs, but the words of the wise keep them out of trouble. Proverbs 14:3 NLT
Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 NLT
Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 NLT
Photo Credit: Prayer Notes by Cynthia on Etsy
LaVonne says
Wow! Wow! Wow! Wanda, I was recently talking to an elderly family member and when they started talking about their parents I realized how much the words of their childhood had impacted them. This person is over 70 years old and he can still recall word for word the things they said to him. I was a bit stunned to see the effect it has had on him to this day. It has affected ALL of his relationships, including his relationship with God. If there is one thing we should all learn from God’s word is that WORDS MATTER. They really do. If we are not sure that what we say will benefit the hearer, it is better to hold our tongues.
Wanda says
Thanks for sharing that LaVonne. That’s such a perfect illustration of just how much weight our words hold. Although there are lot of things I don’t remember, it’s amazing some of the words that have managed to stick with me down through the years. After reading your words even more so I’m going to asking for the wisdom to know when and what to speak.
TC Avey says
There really is power in our words. Love the THINK principle. Very helpful.
Wanda says
It’s a nifty little thing to redirect our speech, if we use it.
Elizabeth West says
Thank you for the THINK principle, Wanda. I’m trying to be more mindful and that will help me. 🙂
Wanda says
Isn’t that a great little principle we all good stand to call to remembrance?
Cynthia says
Wanda, this is a great post. I tend to overthink comments I make and that are made to me. What I try to do…I try to keep my words kind, even if they are meant to correct. You see, I really believe that words can build-up or tear-down. I’ve been on both sides of the fence–the builder and the destroyer and I refuse to be a destroyer, anymore. Although I am very social, I find myself more serious, contemplative and prayerful before I speak. Sometimes, we don’t THINK before we speak and it hurts us, as well as the person we are speaking to. I just try to speak LIFE. Joy to you and thank you for choosing one of my coasters in your post. Cynthia
Wanda says
I remembered you had said it was okay for me to use some of your photos from time to time and I thought I’d see if you had something to go along it. I tend to be one that is straight to the point but I learning more and more ways to better grace those words with kindness and love. I’m also learning that I avoid conflict like the plague but that’s not good either. Some things need to be said but there is right way to say it.
Ceil says
Hi Wanda! I really like that THINK image. I wrote a post about it some time ago. Our words have such power, and I’m sure I’ll never know how I have helped or hurt until the Lord tells me after I leave this earth. It’s so important to think first…and I’m not 100% on it that’s for sure. It’s so good to have blog-friends to remind me!
Hoping you have a blessed day,
Ceil
Wanda says
I image we all be rather surprised to learn just how often our words hurt others although we might not have meant it that way. But it’s good to me reminded to choose our word carefully. It’s one I need for sure more often.
Pam says
How very true, Wanda. As a writer I am especially aware of the power of words. And yes, they do linger. . .sometimes like the sweet taste of peppermint and sometimes like the oft offending onion.
Wanda says
Ha, that’s true Pam. Although I don’t mind onion when it’s paired with the right things, lol.
Ella says
I am the same way-thank you for sharing!
I will think of you when I THINK.
Wanda says
Happy thoughts I hope my dear 😉
KalleyC says
Wanda, words are so powerful. I really do believe that we can make or district someone with the words that we speak.
While we practice this in our person-person interactions, I can see how this could affect us on the web as well, since all we have is out words.
I really do like the THINK philosophy: it gives us a chance to think before we speak.