Think First, Speak Second

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
THINK FIRST, SPEAK SECOND
Prov 11:12
12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
NIV
I think it is possibly one of the most harmful things in this world to speak ill about another person. What would possess a person to say things which would be disrespectful of or to his neighbor? I do know people who are compelled to say whatever is on their mind. But that leads me to wonder why such an attitude about their neighbor would even be on their mind. Is even thinking disrespectfully a lack of judgment? I would think whenever I begin thinking in that manner the Holy Spirit would slap me up beside the head with that two by four. Does God really allow such kind of thinking much less speaking? I would think one of the main reasons anyone would speak disrespectfully about another person would be only to make themselves feel better about their self. If I can make someone else out as not living in a certain manner, but I am, then I have lifted my own self up by putting them down. That simply is not right. No, I must agree, as should I, with God. If I have the understanding of the scriptures and the standards God has set out for me, then I will keep my tongue from speaking any words which would be out of place to or about another person. I think it is always a wise thing to find something good to say rather than something bad and if nothing good can be said, don’t say anything. I know I have been catch up in conversations which have turned the wrong way and I need to be more aware of those situations. I also need to be cognizant of my responses at times which might be seen as disrespectful by others. If I am to emulate Jesus, I certainly such not shy aware from speaking the truth, but I should do it with respect, love and a genuine concern for someone’s eternal position. The best course of action is always think first, speak second.