The Power of Mindful Speech: Two Tests to Keep Your Words in Check

In our fast-paced world, where words get thrown around without a second thought, a timeless reminder surfaces about the critical importance of mindful speech.

In our fast-paced world, where words get thrown around without a second thought, a timeless reminder surfaces about the critical importance of mindful speech.

Spirits get crushed, reputations tarnished, and friendships break because of careless words.

James knows the problem when the jaw hinge doesn’t stay closed.

We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. (James 3:2)

To keep your tongue under control, keep in mind two tests.

The Toddler Test

Do you want to know what private conversations take place behind closed doors? You don’t need a listening device because every family with a toddler has one.

Their ears soak up every word.

An innocent question opens a fountain of what Mother and Father said and how they said it. The purity of a child repeats what they hear, without malice and without meaning to “spill the beans.” They are an automatic recording device that takes in all.

If you don’t want the child to repeat what you say, don’t say it. It’s a simple rule.

Remember, a child will only repeat what he has heard without interpretation or window dressing. So before speaking, think of a three-year-old listening intently in the room. Then, take the same care when you open your mouth.

The Microphone Test

Would you like everyone to hear what you say?

As a school advisory committee member, the school invited me to a training conference. The speaker was excellent, and the information was illuminating.

In a few moments, an obnoxious scraping noise roared through the speakers. No one knew what it was. The time came for a break, and the speaker left to go to the restroom.

It wasn’t long before the mystery came to light. The noise I heard was a live microphone making its orbit around the bowl. The speaker had lost her microphone in the toilet.

The moral of the story is never to speak with a microphone on. Everyone hears those conversations.

Most people speak as if no one will hear. Yet, to mind your mouth, you must treat every encounter as a broadcasted public announcement for all to hear.

It gives one pause when one understands that principle. If you don’t want to face embarrassment, every conversation, each whispered aside, and every snide remark is relayed far and wide.

Never discount the power of words. They wield the ability to break or build. Before you speak, filter them through the tests. Save yourself both from your embarrassment and others’ bruises.