Why do I say stupid things?

I don’t know if you’re like me, but if you are then you probably say things sometimes that you wish you hadn’t. For me it seems to be often. I cannot count the number of times my parents advised me to ‘think before you speak’. There is great wisdom in that statement. This wisdom is also found in the first chapter of the Book of James.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.  James 1:19-20 (NIV)

This is great advice. It is advice that I need continual reminding of and need to continually be putting into practice. By taking just a few seconds to gather your thoughts, especially in the midst of a heated discussion, it may allow you the opportunity to avoid saying stupid things. Benjamin Franklin also had a great quote on this subject. He said, “It is better to be quiet and thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

Today, when you speak, before you open your mouth, take a few seconds and think about what you are going to say before you say it.

Andrew