“Every exaggeration of the truth once detected by others destroys our credibility and makes all that we do and say suspect.” Stephen Covey

The truth is often compromised in exaggeration, or drama, or sensationalism. If we want to be truthful, it is expedient for us to be factual, simple and straightforward when we speak. Adding words does not always add any beneficial weight to what we are trying to say. Our verbal excesses may very well sink our communication in the mire of doubt. 

“All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/17/2020

“Assumptions are the termites of relationships.” Henry Winkler

“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” Prov.18 ESV

Instead of jumping to conclusions we might try practicing an unassuming grace. I suppose that every conversation should exercise this kindness, unless of course we are willing to risk disappointment and choose to always assume the best. Sadly most assumptions do not give the benefit of the doubt. Instead of reading between the lines perhaps it would be expedient after someone has finished speaking, to repeat what we heard them say and ask if we heard them right or ask them what they are heard us say after we have expressed our opinion. Someone has said that we should “seek first to understand, then to be understood.” In either case, we should strive to clarify matters with an unassuming grace not complicate them with a false assumption. 4/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Assumptions are the termites of relationships.” Henry Winkler

“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” Prov.18 ESV

Instead of jumping to conclusions we might try practicing an unassuming grace. I suppose that every conversation should exercise this kindness, unless of course we are willing to risk disappointment and choose to always assume the best. Sadly most assumptions do not give the benefit of the doubt. Instead of reading between the lines perhaps it would be expedient after someone has finished speaking, to repeat what we heard them say and ask if we heard them right or ask them what they are heard us say after we have expressed our opinion. Someone has said that we should “seek first to understand, then to be understood.” In either case, we should strive to clarify matters with an unassuming grace not complicate them with a false assumption. 4/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)