Our Words Matter: ​Where Do Careless Words Come From?

Welcome to "Our Words Matter" a 5-part mini-series about using our words wisely and avoiding careless words. Last month we looked at What Are Careless Words. Today, we're looking at Where Do Careless Words Come From? Over the next two months (the last Friday of each month) we will also look at:​

• What Do Careless Words Do?
• How Do I Avoid Careless Words?

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​I hope you'll join us for "Our Words Matter" because they do! ​

Careless words primarily originate from two places.
 
  1. Thoughtlessness and Impulsivity
  2. An Excess of Speaking

Let's dive in and find out more about how Our Words Matter!

Thoughtlessness and Impulsivity

First, It’s fairly obvious that careless speech comes from not being mindful. We have a thought, and we immediately speak it aloud.

We don’t stop to contemplate:

• The full meaning of what we are about to say
• The person to whom we are speaking
• The possible effects and consequences of what we are saying​

​I remember my mother constantly counseling me as a youngster to “think before you speak.” These are wise words that both young and old alike, especially believers, ought to follow. ​

“The heart of the wise instructs his mouth.” Proverbs 16:23
 
"Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 29:20
 
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6

In each of these verses, we see the need to take time and think about what we are saying. Scripture exhorts us to be deliberate rather than hasty with our words because the consequences can be great. ​

An Excess of Speaking

Second, careless and rash speech often comes from an excess of words. I have always been a particularly chatty person. I don’t know that I necessarily have “the gift of gab” as the old saying goes, but I can talk. Oh, yes, I can talk.

The ability to make conversation and communicate ideas and information is a very useful skill. However, if it is not used with discretion and wisdom, this gift can become a liability.

​Solomon cautions us with these very wise words:

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” Proverbs 10:19

In other words, the more we say, the more likely we are to sin with our words. This is particularly true when it comes to careless speech. Solomon implores us to exercise restraint and self-control when it comes to what we say. This requires that we think more and say less. 

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Our Words Matter Scripture Memory Cards

This set of 10 5" X 5" Scripture Memory Cards from the "Our Words Matter" mini-series are available in our Etsy shop. These prints will help you memorize Scripture that will impact your life! ​

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CHECK OUT THESE SCRIPTURE MEMORY CARDS

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When it comes to exercising restraint and self-control over your words, how do you remind yourself to think more and say less?