1 Timothy 4:12- "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in WHAT YOU SAY, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
The next part of 1 Timothy 4:12 goes straight into ways to be an example to others. What you say is very important when you are trying to live like Christ. Cussing, gossiping, arguing, and put-downs are very basic speech rules, but are sometimes difficult to follow. Many of us have a hard time with listening to others. That type of problem stems from many different things, including selfishness.
Proverbs 18:4- "The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook." Guard the words of your mouth so that they bubble over with wisdom and bless the lives of all people you come into contact with.
"1. Listen more; speak less
2. Choose your words carefully
3. Break the habit of blurting out anything and everything that comes to your mind.
4. Watch the volume of the tone of voice you use.
5. USE YOUR TONGUE TO BUILD UP, NOT TEAR DOWN."
-Dare 2 B Wise
Proverbs 11:13- "He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter." If you want your friends to trust you, don't tell their secrets! Also, don't force them to tell you their secrets. Kindness comes back around.
Proverbs 26:18-19 "Like a madman shooting fireballs or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'"
2 Timothy 1:13- "Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus." What do you listen do? How does it affect what you say and think about?
God's Word says a lot about the way our speech should be. Building someone up is always better than breaking them down. Learning to think before you speak is one of the best ways you can live a Godly life, and love others.
Today, when you want to say something negative or hurtful, say something nice to whoever is around at the time. It will have much better results. Keep measuring up to God's Word, and overcoming evil with good.
God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason! :)
-Jenna Hampton
with Dare 2 B Wise. (and much help from God again)
