“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). 

There was a woman once who developed a very serious throat problem!  

And as a result-

– her doctor prescribed medication and no talking for six months!  

She thought this would be almost impossible with a husband and six children.

But she obeyed the doctor’s orders. 

For the next six months, when she needed the attention of her children, she blew a whistle…her instructions became written memos…and questions and answers were written down on pads of paper she had placed around the house. 

After six months, the doctor finally allowed her to talk again.    

Interestingly enough-

– her first comments were very revealing.  

She said her children had become calmer and quieter, and as a result she said, “I don’t think I’ll ever shout again like I used to.” 

When asked about the notes, she replied, “You’d be surprised how many hastily written notes I crumpled up and threw in the trash before I gave them to anyone to read. Seeing my own harsh words that I would’ve spoken had an effect on me that I don’t think I’ll ever forget.” 

Many things come out of our mouths before we realize it-

– gossip, praise, slander, lying, and so on.  

The Scripture says:

“No man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness…My brothers this should not be” (James 3:8-10). 

Make a conscious effort to think about what you say.  

Determine-

– to listen before speaking,

– to evaluate the words you use,

– and ensure your speech doesn’t hurt others (Titus 2:6-8). 

Pray that God will help you think about what you say today-

– so that only good things come out of your mouth.