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Think Before We Speak
Our words carry great power. A few thoughtful words can encourage someone who is struggling, while words spoken without thinking can leave hurt that lasts much longer than we ever intended. This page invites us to pause before we speak and consider whether our words will help or harm.
We all have the ability to influence others through what we say. Our words can offer hope, comfort a friend, encourage a child, or help someone see a difficult situation differently. Yet the opposite is also true. Words spoken in anger or frustration can damage confidence, create misunderstandings, and sometimes hurt the people we care about most.
That is why learning to pause can make such a difference. We cannot always control what happens around us, but we can learn to control how we respond. Taking even a moment to think before answering gives us an opportunity to choose patience over anger and kindness over words we may later regret.
In these two poems, J. J. Thorne reminds us to think carefully before we speak. His repeated messages, "Before we haste to speak" and "Kind words never die," encourage us to remember that our words have consequences. May these poems inspire us to speak with truth, respect, and kindness.
Updated September 22, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
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 reminds us to think about the words we are saying and the difference kindness can make.
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.
Key Reflections In These Poems
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Pause Before You Speak
A short pause can save us from saying words we may later regret. When we slow down and think first, we give wisdom and patience an opportunity to guide our response.
-
Choose Words That Build, Not Break
Words can comfort and encourage, but they can also wound. These poems remind us to choose words that bring understanding and hope rather than unnecessary hurt.
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Kind Words Have A Lasting Influence
We may forget a kind sentence shortly after saying it, but the person who needed to hear it may remember it for years. A few encouraging words can make more of a difference than we realize.
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Truth And Kindness Belong Together
Speaking truth does not require speaking harshly. Honesty can be shared with respect, compassion, and consideration for the person who is listening.
-
Our Words Reflect What Is In Our Hearts
The way we speak often reveals our attitude toward others. Patience, forgiveness, respect, and love can help guide us toward words that strengthen rather than divide.
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Conclusion
These poems remind us that words may be spoken in only a moment, yet their effect can last much longer. Every day gives us opportunities to encourage, comfort, explain, forgive, and show others that we care.
There will be times when frustration or anger makes it tempting to speak quickly. Those are often the moments when a short pause matters most. We may not be able to take back words once they have been spoken, but we can choose to think before saying them.
May these poems encourage you to use your words with care. Speak the truth, but speak it kindly. Offer encouragement when someone needs it. Listen before answering. A gentle word may seem like a small thing, but it can lift a heart, mend a misunderstanding, and bring a little more kindness into someone's day.
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