Leadership books and blog posts are filled with researched strategies focusing on how to be a better leader to a wide variety of people. The idea of “talk less, think more” prevails in most popular advice. The common idea is basically this: People who have earned a lot of respect know how to listen well, the right things to say, and when to say those right things. While this is studied by secular culture as well, this idea has been in the Christian and Jewish Bible for thousands of years. It makes good practical sense. Would you rather be around someone that never stops talking or someone that listens well and knows when to contribute? One is detrimental to a relationship and one is an asset.

Learning to tame the tongue is the process of learning when to speak and how to say the right things when we do speak. Notice that before ever getting to saying the right things you have to know if you should be speaking in the first place. The Bible teaches us that mastering this not only benefits others, but it benefits us as well. When we learn to practice silence at the right times we become better leaders, better partners, and we look more like Jesus.

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
(Transgression refers to ways that people betray or violate someone’s trust.) —Prov. 10:19

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. —Prov. 18:2

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, —James 1:19

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. —James 3:6

Growth Challenge- Practice silence

-These verses really speak for themselves. If you want to tame the tongue the first step is learning how to be quiet.
-When conversation comes your way- Practice thinking and listening well before you say anything.
-Allow long pauses in conversation.
-Ask God to give you the correct words to say and then contribute positively to conversation.
-Use the tongue rarely today and when you do use it- build others up.