“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”

This goes near the top of the list of “most difficult and most valuable” lessons to learn. Ever said something you wish you hadn’t? I almost said “later wish you hadn’t,” but in my case, it’s often an immediate awareness and regret. It may be something that hurts another person. Maybe it shows a lack of understanding. Often, it’s just a thoughtless response. I’ve seen people who try to be funny about everything. Often they are, but occasionally it turns out to be inappropriate or even damaging. James talks about being slow to speak while being quick to listen. I think Solomon refers to the same practice here, with more of a long-term perspective. The ability to communicate is a great gift of God’s amazing creation. As with all His gifts, it can be misused. The result of taking anything good from God and using it incorrectly, in ways unintended by the Designer, will bring about unhappy consequences. Today, watch your words and speak life only. #BeTheEdge

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬