A THREE-LAYERED FILTER

From Mass today, this was the lesson

“You have to bear responsibility for every word you say”. Therefore, we ought to employ a three layered filter to guard what we say and what is spoken to us.
A quote from Socrates was highlighted: ” if what you want to say is not true, not good, nor useful, then why say it at all?”

That three layered test of truthfulness, goodness and usefulness, are captured in Philippians 4:8:

” Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

TRUTHFULNESS
The virtue of honesty and integrity are core pillars in communication. Can your words be trusted or are you one whose words should be taken with a pinch of salt? Have you made any effort to verify the origin of the words you communicate or are you a channel without a filter?

GOODNESS
Have you weighed the impact of your words? What exactly are the motives behind your words? To edify, build up or cast down? What are the merits in hearing them?

USEFULNESS
You don’t speak just because you want to, but do so because you have something to contribute. Are your words correcting, encouraging, rebuking, or building up? The words you offer should have the potential to positively affect situations, not muddy waters further.

So a reminder again “

if what you want to say is not true, not good, nor useful, then why say it at all?”

#sly