By Karen Ehman
- Don’t say something permanently painful just because you’re temporarily upset.
- If you talk too much, soon others will mentally check out.
- Pause before piping up.
- Make listening and understanding your aim instead of responding.
- The book of Proverbs has much advice on the use of your tongue. A few warnings are: Don’t speak too much. Don’t speak too soon. Don’t speak without first listening.
- If you’ll ask questions before hurling accusations, you will save yourself from embarrassment.
- If someone asked those closest to you, would they say you are a good listener or big chatterbox?
- Zip it and pray. Learn to talk to God before opening your mouth.
- More prayer = less gossip.
- There’s a direct correlation between your prayer life and your tongue.
- Check your motives and your manners before opening your mouth. Motives and manners matter.
- Social media has become an opinion slinging outlet. Proverbs 26:21 says, “As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.”
- He who gossips with you will also gossip about you.
- Gossip’s close cousin is here-say, which justifies gossip by saying you’ve heard something.