Watch the Way You Talk

A Norvell Note

October 29, 2024, Vol. 28 No. 42

Watch the Way You Talk

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. (Ephesians 4:29, The Message)

I have used this text as the basis for many notes over the years, but I think it is probably needed more now than ever. Let’s take one phrase at a time.

Watch the way you talk. During the next week, you will have the opportunity to voice your thoughts on the election, the candidates, the results of the election, and the people who voted differently than you prefer. Watch the way you talk. Choose your words carefully and pay attention to who might be listening. 

Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Even though others may use foul, filthy, divisive, and judgmental language, you don’t have to follow their example. Their language does not have to be your language. 

Say only what helps, each word a gift. Say only what helps. How’s that for a challenge? Only what helps. That might reduce many conversations, but if you speak only words that lift others up, the conversation will be much more wholesome and encouraging. Each word is a gift. Treat your words like a precious gift. 

In stressful times, we must be even more watchful of how we talk than usual. These are stressful times. Be an encourager. Be thoughtful. It may be that the best words are the ones not spoken. It takes self-discipline and courage. 

Watch the way you talk. 

A Norvell Note ^© Copyright 2024 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved