Words are powerful. They can heal or hurt, build or break. As teenagers, it is easy to feel the urge to always have the last word, clap back at someone’s insult, or quickly share your opinion without thinking. But the Bible advises us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). When you speak without thinking, you may regret the words later, but when you pause to think first, your words become tools of wisdom instead of weapons of destruction.
Being quick to think means allowing your mind to process before your mouth produces. Imagine a friend annoying you at school. If you respond immediately with harsh words, the friendship might suffer. But if you take a breath, think through your response, and choose a calmer word, you show maturity beyond your years. Thinking first doesn’t make you weak; it makes you wise.
Every time you slow down your speech, you give God room to guide your heart. Ask yourself: “Is what I’m about to say kind? Is it necessary? Will it bring peace or create chaos?” These small pauses can save you from arguments, broken friendships, and unnecessary guilt. Remember, silence sometimes speaks louder than careless words.
Teenagers who master this principle stand out as leaders among their peers. Your words are seeds—when you plant them with thoughtfulness, they grow into respect, influence, and lasting relationships. Don’t just talk because you can; talk because you’ve thought it through.
Assessment
1. When was the last time your words got you into trouble, and how could pausing to think first have changed the outcome?
2. Do you usually listen more than you speak in conversations with friends and family?
3. What one practical step can you take this week to practice being slow to speak and quick to think?
Hope Expression Values You
Prince Victor Matthew
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