Key scripture – “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” (Proverbs 15:28 NIV).

Have you ever said words that were permanently painful because you were temporarily ticked off? We need to weigh our words carefully. Especially — as today’s key verse instructs — when giving someone an answer.

Before we answer a child’s request, we must think through what is really best for them before we speak. Before we answer a co-worker or family member who might be upset with us, we need to consider our response cautiously, selecting phrases that will convey the truth, but also promote understanding and peace.

Speaking without weighing our words first, may escalate the situation emotionally, and cause an all-out verbal battle. That is why the Apostle James instructs us in the following manner, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James1:19-21 NIV).

At times we may be asked a question that needs a gentle and tender response — instead of a quick and thoughtless reply. When that happens we need to allow the Holy Spirit the opportunity to give us just the right combination of fruitful words.

If we are to pursue righteousness, we must heed the advice of today’s key verse in Proverbs 15:28, “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers …” Notice it says “the heart.” It doesn’t say the mouth. Sometimes, by the time the words are starting to tumble out of our mouth, it’s too late. If we don’t first pause to pray and ponder in our heart, hurtful words come out of our mouth. “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”(Proverbs 21:23 NIV).

In order to avoid causing heartache and even regret in the future, We need to contemplate words secretly in our heart. Which means running your thoughts through the grid of Scripture, and waiting on the Holy Spirit to instruct you, before you ever let the words escape from your lips. “The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3 HCSB)

Are you ready to carefully weigh your words today? The result will be a delightful offering, pleasing to you, to the hearer, and to God.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11 ESV).

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, today I will need to speak many words, oral and written. Help me to weigh my words carefully in my heart before I ever let them escape my lips. May they bear much fruit for You. Teach me to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. I want my words to be gracious, and full of patience and kindness. I want my words to be gracious so that they are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 16:24).I want my words to build people up and not to tear them down, to bless them not to curse them. Father, I want the Holy Spirit to control my words and my mouth so that I speak with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on my tongue. (Proverbs 31:26 NIV). Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.