One of my favorite quiz shows of all time is "Family Feud." One of the joys of watching it is seeing what people will say when they don't have very long to think. These are some actual answers from contestants who have appeared on the quiz show "Family Feud":

  • Name something a blind person might use — A sword
  • Name a song with "moon" in the title — Blue suede moon
  • Name an item of clothing worn by the 3 musketeers — A horse
  • Name something that floats in the bath — Water
  • Name something you wear on the beach — A deck chair
  • Name something red — My cardigan
  • Name a famous cowboy — Buck Rogers
  • Name a number you have to memorize — 7
  • Name something you do before going to bed — Sleep
  • Name something you put on walls — Roofs
  • Name something in the garden that's green — Shed
  • Name something that flies that doesn't have an engine — A bicycle with wings
  • Name something you might be allergic to — Skiing
  • Name a famous bridge — The bridge over troubled waters
  • Name an animal you might see at the zoo — A dog
  • Name a sign of the zodiac — April
  • Name a non-living object with legs — Plant
  • Name a domestic animal — Leopard
  • Name a part of the body beginning with 'N' — Knee
  • Name a way of cooking fish — Cod

The answers sound ridiculous, but you know what the problem is: giving an answer in the pressure of the moment and trying to be the first one to blurt out an answer. Yes, we all know that sometimes, the mouth begins to speak before the brain has had time to completely process the question and the answer.

You know what the problem is!
When you speak (or email) without taking time to think, the things that come out of your mouth (or your computer) can be pretty funny. They can also be quite damaging. That's why James warned us:

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19)

Just a reminder to pause for a moment before you speak (or email) to someone today. You just might save yourself some embarrassment and someone else a lot of hurt feelings.