Men Think Before They Speak

Guests: Parker Panetti and Nathan Litwiller

Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue.

Matthew 12:34 - Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Parker - thinking before you speak can be difficult because we don’t see immediate consequences or have immediate ramifications for what we say to others!

James 1:19 - Be quick to listen, slow to speak…

Dan - we’ve lost the respect for the weight of another person’s words…because most people don’t put much thought and effort into saying words that have meaning and significance.

Parker - Thinking before you speak means that you have to put thought into what goes into heart and mind before you open your mouth - not just at the specific moment.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

Parker - think of two ponds, one salt water and one fresh water. The fish in the pond that you feed will grow, the fish in the pond that you ignore will die. What are you feeding in your life - good things or corrupt things?

Dan - you are consumers of ideas and concepts - we make choices everyday to fill our hearts and minds with positive, quality, life-affirming words and ideas - or to fill our hearts and minds with the negativity of this world.

Parker - three men you need in your life:
Older, wiser man to speak truth into your life and set an example for you to follow
Guys your age that you do life together who build you up and challenge you
Younger guys that you are training and encouraging in their walk

The Word of God should be your primary source for truth and encouragement - then add the influence of other men on your journey.

Nate - men need to step up and hold each other accountable for what they say

Parker - important to balance grace and truth when you speak. Humility is crucial to be able to do this well. How do you develop humility? Spend time with God.

Nate - integrity means that you need to be consistent with your words. Everyone will give an account for each word - Matthew 12:36