Think Before You Speak

Think Before You Speak
by Alan Smith

One of my favorite quiz shows of all time is "Family Feud." One of the joys of watching it is seeing what people will say when they don't have very long to think. These are some actual answers from contestants who have appeared on the quiz show "Family Feud":

Name a song with "moon" in the title — Blue suede moon
Name an item of clothing worn by the 3 musketeers — A horse
Name something that floats in the bath — Water
Name something you wear on the beach — A deck chair
Name something red — My cardigan
Name a famous cowboy — Buck Rogers
Name a number you have to memorize — 7
Name something you do before going to bed — Sleep
Name something you put on walls — Roofs
Name something in the garden that's green — Shed
Name something that flies that doesn't have an engine — A bicycle with wings
Name something you might be allergic to — Skiing
Name a famous bridge — The bridge over troubled waters
Name an animal you might see at the zoo — A dog
Name a sign of the zodiac — April
Name a non-living object with legs — Plant
Name a domestic animal — Leopard
Name a part of the body beginning with 'N' — Knee
Name a way of cooking fish — Cod

You know what the problem is!The answers sound ridiculous, but you know what the problem is: giving an answer in the pressure of the moment and trying to be the first one to blurt out an answer. Yes, we all know that sometimes, the mouth begins to speak before the brain has had time to completely process the question and the answer.

When you speak (or email) without taking time to think, the things that come out of your mouth (or your computer) can be pretty funny. They can also be quite damaging. That's why James warned us: So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19)

Just a reminder to pause for a moment before you speak (or email) to someone today. You just might save yourself some embarrassment and someone else a lot of hurt feelings.


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