Words that are Gracious
Some people love to hear themselves talk. They dominate conversations, turn conversations into monologues, and always find a way to make things about themselves. Regardless of their good intentions, they cause you to leave a conversation feeling silenced and insignificant. Solomon actually says it’s foolish to let your speech spiral out of control.
Ecclesiastes 10:12-13
Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips. At the beginning their words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness— and fools multiply words.
If you talk just for the sake of talking, you’re bound to eventually say something you don’t mean. Rambling is the fastest way to dig yourself into a deeper hole. If you feel the desire to talk over others and dominate the conversation, stop talking and give someone else the chance to share. Make others feel heard and cared for with gracious words and intentional listening.
Prayer Prompt: God, please help me to know when it’s the right time to speak and the right time to listen. Help me have conversations that encourage my friends and make them feel heard and loved.