5 Second Rule (Before You Speak)

James 3:5-6 (NIV) Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

“Regret is a net, cast by words we forget to vet.”

Our Tongue is fire and evil.

Ephesians 4:25-29 NKJV  Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

5 questions to ask before you speak:

(Vet things that come out of your mouth.)

1. Is it true?

v25 – “Putting away lying, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor…”

2. Am I angry? It is kind (calm)?
v26 – “do not let a day go down in your anger”
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another…”
James 1:19-20, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”

3. Is it good?

v29 – “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth”

Philippians 4:8, “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.”

4. Is it edifying?

v29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

5. Is it Graceful?

v29 – “…that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Colossians 4:6, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

“Before your words take flight, ensure they’re true, good, kind, edifying and full of light.”