Stepping Stones: Think Twice – Speak Once

Transformational Thought

I am a pretty physical guy who likes working outside (when I have to), especially when the weather is really hot and I can work up a good sweat. But even though I am an engineer by training, unfortunately, and to my wife’s dismay, I am a terrible handyman. I can use the basic tools, but anything more than a hammer or screwdriver vaults me way out of my comfort zone.

Now compound that with the fact that I am an obsessive perfectionist, and each minor job turns into a major project because all the details have to be just right. Pictures exactly centered and level, mulch spread exactly even, every edge in painting has to be a straight line … you get my drift. So few things irritate me more than when I make a measurement or assessment, then cut the wood, or hammer in the nail, and then realize it was a mistake. I did that a few times as a kid and learned my lesson.

Once you cut the wood you can never take the cut back, so always make sure you’re cutting in the right spot. Thus, the all-important adage “measure twice, cut once” or “measure twice, hammer once.” As you can imagine, I have found many applications for this particular proverb throughout my life.

The basic premise is “Think before you act.” One frequent application the Bible teaches is how we talk with each other … especially with those we love. How many times have you said something hurtful that you wish you hadn’t said? How many times do you even think about what you say before you say it? Once something is said, the words can never be taken back. Yes, we can apologize and ask forgiveness, then try and make up for it, but taking words back is like un-cutting wood, un-hammering a nail, or un-ringing a bell … you just can’t undo the damage.

We all have trouble reacting without think, especially when we feel hurt, sad, anxious, rejected, or have other uncomfortable emotions we are trying to avoid, soothe, or defend against. The ability to tolerate discomfort and identify a better way to respond or react to a situation is not naturally built into us. Nor does society teach us how to handle these uncomfortable but inevitable events of life. Yet thinking before we speak, examining our hearts and motives, are the Biblical principles James and Solomon exhort us to practice and perfect.

Today, develop the discipline of decision-making, in which thinking is a vital component. We all make comments we regret. We wish we could just rewind life … have a do-over. Try to “think twice and speak once.” A few moments invested in thought will save many hours of guilt, shame, and hustling to remedy the damage. Then dig deeper, try to identify the needs, fears, or emotions that push you to speak before you think. This is actually a great spiritual exercise in heart examination that will reap much treasure. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH guides this examination and helps you use your findings for lasting life change.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess, Father, that I have been guilty of using wrong, harsh words with others. I have misused the gift of a quick mind that You have given me. I pray, Lord, that You will fill me with your Holy Spirit … and that I give Your Spirit time to respond as I speak and write. Help me be quick to listen, disciplined to think, and slow to speak … and let me see Your message in everything. I pray in the name of the one You sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

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

…be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
James 1:19