From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
There is a well-known saying that goes like this: measure twice, cut once.
In other words, make sure you are ready for your appointed task before you make your move.
Planning ahead can prevent a lot of heartache afterward.
The same holds true for what we do with our mouth.
James 1:19 says, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
With a brand new year sitting right in front of us, wouldn’t now be a great time to resolve that we will do a better job of being more careful about what comes out of our mouths?
This task may not be as difficult as it seems.
You see, when you are listening to someone, instead of interrupting and doing all the talking, it is impossible for you to put your foot in your mouth.
The key to watching what we say is to listen more.
If you are one of those people who has an opinion about everything, I’ve got news for you.
Most people don’t want to hear it.
It would be a nice change of pace for you to listen more intently to the person who is speaking with you and then respond with something that corresponds to what they told you.
It will show them that you were listening and that you care.
Listeners and learners always come out smelling better than gabbers and blabbers.
Which one are you?
