Welcome to 10 minute Bible Talks, where we connect the Bible to your life and the time it takes to get to work.

I'm Jensen Holt McNair. It's not easy to admit, but for as long as I can remember, I've had trouble

taming my tongue. I've always been quick to speak and many, times in my life my quickness has led me to regret

the things that I've said out loud. I've snapped back at my husband and regretted the harshness of my delivery. I've over shared information

that I had no right to share because I didn't take a moment to stop and think if I

should say what was coming out of my mouth. In middle school and high school I sent off direct and heated text messages that

certainly could have been delivered with more grace and kindness.

Most of the time my quick clapbacks and pointed remarks felt justified.

Well, it's how I felt. They should know. They maybe even deserve a little bit of my anger with the way that they were acting.

Now luckily, as I've gotten

older I've had friends and family in my life who have graciously and gently pushed back

on my self-righteous belief that I have a right to say what I want, when I want, no matter the circumstances.

Natural consequences have also helped me rein in my quick remarks and biting words.

See as it turns out, relationally, things don't go very well for you when you say whatever

you want, whenever you want. It's just not wise. Proverbs 1620 to 24 is a collection of proverbs that lay out two different ways that we can use our speech for wisdom or for folly.

We're going to read the passage now.

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good.

And blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.

The wise of heart is called discerning,

and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

Now the first two verses here remind us that being quick to speak is not always wise.

Instead the wise person gives thought to what they say. They're

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