It can be very difficult to practice thinking before speaking. For many people it is a habit to just speak without pausing to filter their speech. Yet, the consequences of not pausing and thinking before we speak can be quite damaging to others and to ourselves.When we hurt those around us with our speech and say things we regret we not only loose connection with others but we look bad.
Abraham Lincoln said it well when he said, "It is better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt."
Here are some helpful guidelines to think about before we open our mouths to talk again.
T - Is it Thoughtful?
H - Is it Honest?
I - Is it Intelligent?
N - Is it Necessary?
K - Is it kind?
Before we respond to someone it is good to slow down and go through this acronym so that we speak only that which serves life. By doing this we respect others and ourselves and we keep from embarrassing ourselves as well.
PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo (above) Courtesy of Photos8.com."
3 comments:
Appreciate the acronym; thinking BEFORE speaking is definitely a goal of mine.
This is definitely something that I've struggled with in the past... especially with my words towards my wife. By God's grace I'm getting much better, though!
Hopefully your post will inspire other husbands to use their words carefully, and treat their wives with the love and respect that they deserve.
For the One,
Gerrid
Tracy and Gerrid - Thanks for the positive feedback. I am glad to hear the post resonated with you both.
Eddie
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