Think Before You Speak
READ: Psalm 12
“Think before you speak!” Your parents have probably said that to you before. The idea is that it will help prevent you from saying something foolish, insulting or incorrect. If you carefully consider what you’re going to say first, hopefully you’ll avoid anything negative.
What we say is a real problem for us sinners. James 3:6 says, “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” In Psalm 12, David is lamenting the wickedness of the tongue in the world as it produces lies, flattery, deception, boasts, and the honor of what is vile. David goes so far as to say that the faithful and godly have vanished from the earth.
In verse 6, the Word of the LORD is contrasted to the words of men. David states that God's Word is flawless, and compares it to repeatedly refined silver. It is the righteous words of God that bring destruction upon sinners. But it is also the precious Word of God that shares the message of salvation in Jesus our Savior.
What a gift the Bible is, and how important it is for us to be in it all the time! As you study it carefully, be comforted by the grace of God in Jesus, and be refined by it so that you’re able to “think before you speak,” bringing glory and praise to God and sharing the message of salvation with everyone you meet!
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: In what ways has your tongue been an evil fire? In what ways has your tongue been a carrier of the good news? Why is it important to heed James’ warning?
THINGS TO PRAY ABOUT: Ask God for wisdom and love in the things you say. Ask God to forgive you for the times you have slandered his holy name or spoken against your neighbor. Pray that all Christians speak the truth in love willingly and gladly.