Proverbs 15:28

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

I like the translation from the Amplified Bible too:

The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way], But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things.

Words matter. They have consequences. Once spoken, you can’t take them back. They have consequences; sometimes immediate, sometimes long term. Some consequences are minor, some are severe. Words matter.

So taking a moment before you respond can be the difference between a resolution to a problem and more problems, the building up of a relationship and the destruction of one, providing encouragement and discouragement, peace and war.

We’ve all had times where we wish we could take back our words. Now is the time do better. Will you follow the advice of Solomon or create more “messy” consequences?