Think Before We Speak
Our words carry great power, and this page invites us to pause and reflect before we speak so our words can help rather than harm.
Updated December 8, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer
We all have something powerful within us, something that does not depend on strength, education, or money. It is the ability to speak. Our words may seem small, yet they hold great influence. They can build hope or bring hurt. They can offer comfort or create pain. Many of us have seen how a careless word can stay with someone for years, while a kind word can lift a heart in a moment.
The tongue may not look important, but the words it forms can shape lives. When we speak in haste, we may harm someone without meaning to. Harsh words can damage confidence, break trust, and even divide families. But thoughtful words mixed with care and respect can help someone move forward with courage. They can encourage a child, support a friend, or strengthen a community.
Before we speak, it helps to pause and think about the impact of our words. J. J. Thorne’s poem Think Before We Speak gives us a gentle reminder to slow down and choose our words wisely. His message encourages us to speak with kindness, patience, and care, knowing that what we say can touch hearts in lasting ways.
Think Before We Speak
Poet: J.J. Thorne
We often do not think in time,
Our words are cold and bleak;
Think twice with careful thought,
Before we haste to speak.
Thought is care, care is thought,
Both combined is wisdom's cheek;
Think twice with careful thought,
Before we haste to speak.
Do not allow a blissful tongue,
Imprudent words to leak;
Think twice with careful thought,
Before we haste to speak.
Passion rudely attempts the tongue,
But wisdom prevails and makes it meek;
Think twice with careful thought,
Before we haste to speak.
We all are indebted by gratitude,
From the briny wave to the mountain peak;
Think twice with careful thought,
Before we haste to speak.
We should with prudence lay the plan,
The best moral elements to seek;
Think twice with careful thought,
Before we haste to speak.
Love forgives and felicitates,
Envy abuse slander and sneak;
Think twice with careful thought,
Before we haste to speak.
Lies spoil and defiles Perfection,
They signify love and wisdom weak;
Think twice with careful thought.
Before we haste to speak.
Another poem by J. J. Thorne to remind us to think about the words we are saying:
Think Carefully
Poet: J.J. Thorne
Let our words be calm and docile.
Our aims grand and high;
Think carefully before we speak,
Kind words never die.
Think a moment, kind friend,
The ease with you and I;
Rash words displease us both,
Kind words never die.
Speak the truth, live the truth.
Here our duty lie;
Satan's words is profane and slanderous.
Kind words never die.
Swearing words often make.
Bitterness in repl;
Prudent words pleases and content,
Kind words never die.
Knowledge, love and respect,
Comes from above the sky;
Wisdom's way is Handness,
Kind words never die.
Love is the world's bloom of time.
Sweeter than lilies and blooms of rye;
Affection is nature's ardor.
Kind words never die.
If by nature we have respect,
And in our hearts a tender tie.
Love will join us friends together,
With kind words that never die.
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Conclusion
As we reflect on these poems, we are reminded that our words carry real weight. Each day gives us chances to speak in ways that lift others up rather than tear them down. When we pause, think, and choose words shaped by kindness, we help create peace in our homes, our friendships, and our world. May these poems inspire you to speak with care, offer grace, and use the gift of your voice to bring good into every day.
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