“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Did your mom ever say this when you were growing up?
It’s sound advice…but it's even better if we deal with the cause of unkind speech...unkind thoughts.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8.
Because what we think eventually becomes what we say:
“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks...The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” Matthew 12:34-35
Mom’s advice keeps us from saying things we’ll later regret, and Philippians 4:8 keeps us from wanting to say things we’ll later regret.
May our thoughts today be excellent and praiseworthy and our speech be gentle and kind (Ephesians 4:29).
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Yes! My Mom used to say that too and it is true. Also, Phil. 4:8 is one of the foundational scriptures for my blog and I just love it. Great post!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I would be honored if you would join me as I embark on a new blog hop which encourages the sharing of inspiration each Friday. It opens tonight and you can learn about it here:
http://findingtheinspiring.blogspot.com
It's true- sharper than a double edged sword! And as we look at the world through the lens of Scripture- man it changes our attitude quickly! blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteVery true!!! Good thinking!
ReplyDeleteWatching my sons grow, learning how to wield the sword of language - it's a tough job. Lots of verbal cuts and bruises with each other in the brotherhood at times until they learn to respect its power and choose to use it for good!
ReplyDeleteAmen!!
ReplyDeleteyes, keeping away from unkind thoughts is just as important!
ReplyDeleteyep she sure did
ReplyDelete“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all."- who wrote this qoute
ReplyDeleteI think it's something mothers have been saying to children for a hundred years. I've never seen it credited to anyone specifically.
DeleteMy Dad, in the 40's always said this so I assume his family said this through generations surely wasn't thumper.
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