Talking to yourself! Here’s a thought or two about this.

“And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles” (Nehemiah 5:6-7).

Here comes a dynamic principle, my friends. Nehemiah invested much time and effort into the rebuilding of the walls. He had sacrificed to lead the people and provide protection and direction for them. Suddenly, a major problem surfaced. The people had to mortgage their property to purchase food from the nobles. These wealthy nobles were taking advantage of them and inflicting unnecessary hardships. Nehemiah was furious. But before he lost his temper and screamed unspiritual things at these nobles, he did a marvelous thing. Some might think it rather curious. I think it is marvelous. He “consulted with himself.” He talked himself through it. I just have to wonder how many very difficult situations could be avoided if we consulted ourselves rather than reacting in anger and unpleasant words.

Here’s a smile and a suggestion for today: Better talk to yourself throughout the day. Maybe it would be wise not to talk out loud. (You’ll scare people around you!) But indeed, talk with yourself before you react.