One who loves to offend loves strife; one who builds a high threshold invites injury.     Proverbs 17:19 HCSB

There was a time in my life when I was quick with a comeback. I could cut someone down with my words. I loved to offend, I was good with strife and I guess you could say I built a high threshold. Building a high threshold refers to using arrogant, prideful speech. Our Scripture tells us it can cause us injury.

It took a while for me to learn that it was often better for me to just remain silent. My grandmother often told me if I had nothing good to say then to keep my mouth shut. It took a while, but that finally sank in. You may have heard it said, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” This quote was attributed to Abe Lincoln.

One of the Miranda rights given upon arrests tells the alleged offender they have the right to remain silent. They are told that anything they say can and will be used against them in court. Many people are convicted by their own words.

We are told in Luke 6:45 that our mouths overflow what is in our hearts. Often times we have pride in our hearts and sadly it overflows out of our mouths. We have been studying Proverbs recently and there is a lot said about wisdom. Humility is considered wisdom, pride is considered an abomination before the Lord and something that leads to certain destruction.

I have often heard people utter prideful, hurtful comments and have come to realize this is done to mask low self-esteem. I’ve often heard it said, “Hurting people hurt people.” I have found this to be true.

People with low self-esteem tear others down in an attempt to lift themselves up. The problem with this is God hates pride. God does not like it when we mistreat others.

I’ve recalled times in my life when my speech was hurtful and I realize these were low points where I was suffering.

I’ve learned that the right to remain silent is a right we should exercise more often. We should be mindful of our speech. Proverbs 15:28-29 says, “The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things. The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous.

Jesus said in Matthew 12:36-37 that we will be judged for every idle word spoken and our words will either acquit us or condemn us.

Don’t speak out of anger, bitterness or pride. No good will come from that. Most criminal defendants speak out of pride and it ends up being their undoing.

Think before you speak. We are told in Ephesians 4:29 to let no unwholesome talk come out of our mouths but only that that is good for building up others. My friends if you attempt to destroy someone else through your speech, you are more likely to self-destruct.

We are to be imitators of Christ. We are told in 1 Peter 2:23, “When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly. Jesus never put someone else down in order to lift Himself up. He was humble and obedient.

Romans 12:19 tells us we are to leave vengeance to the Lord. Don’t let your speech condemn you. Don’t speak out of pride or anger. Don’t try to mask your low self-esteem with comments that offend others. Arrogant speech will only hurt the speaker.

I still struggle with my mouth at times, but I am trying to do better. If you have a problem with this, pray for God’s help. He will be glad to help you.

Think before you speak. Ask yourself if what you are about to say will lift someone up or tear them down. If they are to be torn down, that’s God’s job not yours. It’s better to remain silent.

Have a great day!