Can we edit our words--before we speak?


Proverbs 18:21--I love writing. Stories, devotionals, blogs. I love when an unformed idea or concept comes together on the page. The process of finding the right words that convey my hopes and dreams for a character, truth, or message. Writing and re-writing until it sings.

There are certain people I trust to edit my work. Not just because they love my writing, but because they will be honest with me. They'll let me know when I've hit the mark, and when I've overshot it. The edits make my writing stronger, more relevant.

Sigh. Sometimes I wish speaking was more like writing. Seeing the words and being able to read them over several times. Editing them carefully before ever allowing others to read them is so much safer than speaking.

Words on paper have no impact on others until someone reads them. Words we speak, impact them immediately.

I guess verbal editing has its own rules, like writing. Maybe: 

  • speak no words to intentionally hurt someone 
  • speak no words of gossip or rumors 
  • limit our words 
  • speak words seasoned with the salt of GOD's word
  • illuminate our words with messages of hope, redemption, truth, and love.

Finding people we trust to "edit" our speech is pretty important, too. People who love us. Who know our heart, but will be honest with us when we've said too much, too little, or crossed a line. People we are accountable to.

Imagine if we could edit our words like this. I think the world would be a wonderfully better place, don't you?

May the fruit of our tongues be sweet, my friends.

Proverbs 18:21--Death and life are in the control of the tongue. Those who indulge in it will eat its fruit.Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV#tlvbible #tlvproverbs

[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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