It shouldn’t surprise anybody that I am guilty of saying things at parties and in social situations that I regret. I’ve been told I’ve got a ready wit and a quick mind, but I also have a tongue that moves faster then my mind. The apostle James warned, “the tongue is a small part of the body, but consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
George MacDonald has advise for a guy like me; it may be useful to you too.
“Why is it that so often I return
From social converse with a spirit worn,
A lack, a disappointment—even a sting
Of shame, as for some low, unworthy thing?
Because I have not, careful, first of all,
Set my door wide open, back to the wall,
Ere I at others’ doors did knock and call.”
My takeaway? Be ready before you head out the door. Open your door to God’s inspection, which should lead to useful introspection, before opening your mouth to others.
Remember the acronym for think before you speak?
T-Is it true?
H-Is it helpful?
I-Is it inspiring?
N-Is it necessary?
K-Is it kind?
[…] Guilty of saying things at parties and in social situations that you regret? Be ready before you head out the door. Open your door to God’s inspection, which should lead to useful introspection, before opening your mouth to others. Read More. […]