Think Twice, Speak Once (Proverbs 15:28)
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Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
My man Charles Bridges says, “Consideration is an important part of the Christian character, nowhere more important than the discipline of the tongue”.
The heart of the righteous ponders (or considers) how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
This verse shows us that righteous words are not reactionary; they are thought out.
Our words ought to be more like playing chess than hockey. In chess, every move is carefully considered and well thought out. In hockey, I’m not sure how much thinking is done. It’s all reactionary.
It’s clear from this verse that the righteous think twice before speaking once. And what a great discipline to practice. We touched on this a bit yesterday, but giving room for silence in our relationship with the Lord – and even doing that with others so that they may speak and we might listen – is so advantageous. It contributes to our wisdom.
The wise think twice before speaking once.
Look no further than Jesus. It’s so evident from reading the gospels that Jesus never spared a single word. He spoke thoughtfully, intentionally, and every word from His mouth was pondered and perfect.
We won’t ever be perfect in this life, but we certainly don’t have to resemble the wicked in this verse. Their mouths pour out evil things. They care not what they say. It is of little consequence to them whether their words are true or well-timed, or whom they wound.
But there will come a day, the day of judgment – which Jesus talks about in Matthew 12:36 – when “…people will give account for every careless word they speak”. There is coming a day when every careless word will be accounted for – and that’s sobering. But for those in Christ, there’s comfort: we don’t stand condemned. We are not defined by every careless word we’ve spoken – we are defined by the Word made flesh who spoke on our behalf.
It’s important to ponder. It’s valuable to consider.
“Consideration is an important part of the Christian character, nowhere more important than the discipline of the tongue”.
So where are you today with this?
Are you one who ponders how to answer, or does your mouth just pour out whatever comes to mind?
I’m sure if we’re totally honest, we’re all a mix of both. But thank God we’re defined not by performance but by a person, Jesus Christ. He's the only One who always spoke truthfully, tenderly, and wisely, giving His life for all the ways our words fall short.
On the cross, He spoke the words, “It is finished,” – declaring that even our careless words were paid for. And because of Him, we’re not only forgiven – we’re being formed.
The Spirit of Christ now lives in us, shaping our hearts so that our words begin to reflect His.
So when the righteous ponder how to answer, it’s not just good discipline – it’s a sign of a new heart. A heart made alive by the One whose every word brought life.
Let’s pray.
