Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. Proverbs 10:14

Even though I’m fairly soft spoken in large crowds, my mouth gets me into a lot of trouble, and if you’re normal, yours does too. Going back to yesterday’s devotional, if you are storing up wisdom and knowledge, you are less likely to say hurtful and, yes, stupid things…even if you’re trying to keep it real, as they say. Just because something is honest doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the appropriate thing to do. If a five year old brought home a water color painting, would you as a parent say, “what in the world is THAT, kid?” Then you crumble it up and toss it over your shoulder? It’s honest, isn’t it? Yes, but it certainly isn’t appropriate. Likewise, telling someone her dress is ugly or that he is fat (even though you may think it) is not appropriate and may be hurtful.

Today as you go about your business, consider the things you say to people and how you might come across. Ask someone you trust to tell you honestly how you are perceived by others. Then be willing to take steps to improve that approach.