29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

I think about all I hear during the course of a week. Some good, some bad, some edifying but most simply words. Of course the edifying ones are typically the ones I seek out. Or they tend to be the conversations I have with good friends. Looking it up may astound you. The average person hears 10-16,000 words per day. That number was a bit staggering to me when I saw it. Have you ever considered just how many of those are actually edifying to your life each day? Or the which of the words you say are edifying?

We cannot always regulate what we listen to. I think of so much of my work life that has gone into meetings that I will never get back. This is why I try to keep meetings short. I do not think that hours spent in meetings typically provide much in the way of actual value. Keeping to the point of order and not straying too far tends to get to better more concise outcomes.

The fact of the matter is that people like to hear themselves talk. I was that way once, but today prefer to listen. I can get wordy still, make no mistake. However, I do believe I am more measured in what I say. This is especially true when I have chance to speak to others about Jesus. His message needs to be clear and concise. It is a straight forward thing. Salvation is not a mystery.

Reflect on: The words you say and the words you hear. Where do you need to curb in one or the other?