I have heard in my youth, and even use the phrase today, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. Whether you have heard it or not, this is really a great phrase to live by.
“13Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” – Psalm 34:13 (ESV)
The verse above may not be exactly the same as the phrase I mentioned, but another great example of minding what you say. It is important to remember that others will certainly remember and hold us to what we say. By keeping away from evil with out tongues, we reduce the amount of items that others can hold against us.
Think of today’s society and how many time have we been made aware of something someone said in a private conversation. That which was said was recorded in the attempt and then actual use to catch someone expression something deemed evil and/or even not evil, but taken out of context to be determined to be evil. Now I am not looking to express my thought on whether or not it is right/or wrong to record a conversation, but I am concerned with what is said when we are not minding our tongue.
It is important to express ourselves with what we believe to be right, but we must keep that to that which we believe to be right in the eyes of God. I have to remember to stay away from evil talk and do that which will bring God into the lives of others while living my mission to improve lives through growth and learning. That learning may include hard truths, but it should not include evil statements. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything.”
When have you said something that you regret afterward? Are you aware of what you say in the moments you say them? What if you were to really mind your tongue and watch what you say to be sure that you are bringing God not evil into the conversation?
Trevor's Thoughts 