THINK TWICE, SPEAK ONCE

THINK TWICE, SPEAK ONCE
(or maybe, don't speak at all)

Sometimes I write something for my FB wall (or elsewhere) and then decide not to post it. It is not that the post is untrue or that it is un-Christian.

Sometimes it is a good or even important thing to think about, but it is not always expedient or wise to say it... at least, not at that time, or to that audience.

Sometimes it is because I pretty much say enough controversial things, which need to be said, but I don't want to distract from those more important articles by posting less important articles.

All believers should consider this directive from God's word.
Proverbs 25:11
(11) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

As a pastor, I have this added nugget of truth to guide me.
Ecclesiastes 12:9-11
(9) And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
(10) The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
(11) The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

It is still good for me to write them, even though I don't publish them, because it helps me articulate inconvenient, unpopular truths in my own mind, which can still be said at a different time or place.

It not only relieves the pressure created by really bad events happening in the world, it gives me time to hear from God; it gives me time to think something through, rather than just reacting to it.

See, I am looking out for you and me. (hehehe).

Sometimes I wish other people would do the same.