As we amplify our outline on developing Christ-like communication skills let’s focus on another destructive tendency to avoid described in Proverbs: recklessness, or impulsiveness.
A quick retort is often something we wish we could take back. It often hurts someone. Listen to these verses in Proverbs: “Reckless words pierce like a sword!” (12:18). “A harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1). “Starting a quarrel is like breeching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out” (17:14). It not only hurts others, it’s destructive to you. “He who speaks rashly will come to ruin” (13:3). “Do you see a man who speaks in haste, there is more hope for a fool than him” (29:20).
It’s not that you have bad intentions, but impulsiveness is often misunderstood by those taken by surprise. Note 27:14, “If a man loudly blesses his neighbor in the morning it will be taken as a curse!” And 29:5, “Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.”
Humor is often associated with this destructive tendency. 26:18-19 warns, “Just as damaging as a mad man shooting a lethal weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, ‘I was only joking.’” Be careful “If you argue a case with a neighbor, not to betray another man’s confidence.”
So before you speak, be on your guard against the destructive tendency of recklessness.
