I am careful with my speech because words are powerful. Before I allow a word to come out of my mouth, I think about the comment three times. If I still think the comment is important, only then do I speak.
With my words, I have the ability to build up and encourage or to cause pain. With every word I speak, my intention is to make others feel better than they felt before. Therefore, I speak words of wisdom and encouragement, not judgment or gossip.
I restrain my tongue by speaking slowly and thoughtfully. When I take my time to think through what I plan to say, I am able to stop myself short of saying something inappropriate.
I speak when I know my words will be well received. I refrain from speaking to those who clearly do not want to listen to what I have to say. Instead of wasting my time, I simply remain silent.
I am learning to be content with keeping things to myself. Instead of offering up my knowledge about every subject, I wait until I am asked a direct question before I speak.
When I encounter rudeness and my human nature wants to respond with equal disdain, I bridle my tongue and measure my words. I choose not to converse on a negative level.
The less I speak, the more people want to hear what I have to say. My point of view becomes more important and I’m taken more seriously when I am selective as to when to give my opinion.
Today, I choose to speak positively, briefly, and selectively. I keep negative comments to myself because my goal is to uplift others.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. What gets in the way of my bridling my tongue?
2. When is it best to keep things to myself?
3. How often do I think things through before speaking?
