The one who loves a pure heart and gracious lips–the king is his friend.
(Proverbs 22:11)
I remember the first time I spoke in front of a large crowd of people; I was nervous, well prepared, and ready to let everyone know what was on my mind. After the speech a number of people came up to me and graciously said well done. The sound man came up to me and handed me a tape recording of my speech. Later that day I listened to the recording and being my worst critic I couldn’t believe I said some of the things that I had said. I am reminded of one of my mother’s famous quotes “think before you speak”. With our speech we can build up or tear down, we can edify or insult, we can strengthen or demoralize.
We find a true nugget of wisdom in this text, the first things Solomon gives us is the importance of having a pure heart. Our motives should be under a personal microscope every day. It’s healthy to evaluate why we are doing what we are doing. Do we have selfish ambitions or are we truly trying to help others. The other part of this text is “gracious lips”, in other words do we ‘think before we speak”. I listen to husbands speak to their wives, parents speak to their children, and children to other children and at times I am heart broken. I think to myself if only I could record this conversation and let the individual hear what they are saying.
As we embark upon a new day, check your motives and “think before you speak”. Whether it’s a stranger, coworkers, or especially a family member be aware of how and what you are communicating you can build a person up today or tear them down. The only person that can change you attitude is you. Remember God loves you, and consider the way he communicates with you and shows his love to you.
Blessings….
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