Don’t Say a Word Without Your Attorney

I was sitting with my Bible this morning and came across a scripture that worked itself deeper and deeper into my heart the more I meditated on it:

“Everyone will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken” —Matthew 12:36

Every. Careless. Word.

My goodness…honestly, we’re better off not saying anything at all than speaking words that slip carelessly from our lips. This doesn’t just mean the things we say that are obviously wrong and that we instantly want to take back, but also the things we blurt out without first thinking them through.

Lately, my husband and I have been watching The Rookie together. You know the part when someone gets arrested and the cop says, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney…”? Well, as I sat with that verse in Matthew, the Miranda Rights popped into my head; those rights that protect you from self-incrimination and guarantee you an attorney. Essentially, you shouldn’t say a single word until your attorney arrives…otherwise, you might say something that will cost you later.

Here’s where it gets interesting…the Holy Spirit is like our attorney (John 14:26).

If I start talking without Him guiding me, I risk saying something I’ll regret or have to defend later. But if I pause and allow Him to guide me, He gives me the right words to speak.

Jesus said it plainly:

“When you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry before-hand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”—Mark 13:11

I draw so much comfort in this. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just help us speak; He literally speaks through us…because Lord knows, if it were left up to us, we might end up staying in cuffs.

So here’s where I landed. First, it’s important to know who your attorney is, so when you’re in trouble, you know who to call. I’m sure you’ve caught on by now, our attorney is the Holy Spirit. Next, remember not to say anything without your attorney being present. In other words, it’s best to avoid speaking outside the influence of the Holy Spirit. You might think to yourself, “Well, how do I know if I’m outside the influence of the Holy Spirit?”

There are many signs that might indicate we’re not truly walking in the Spirit. One of the clearest is when we notice the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, Galatians 5:22) fading or missing from our lives. I’ve found it really helpful to regularly check in with myself and see how I’m doing in each of these areas.

Finally, always consult your attorney. He will give you the right words to speak and sometimes even speak through you (not because we lose control, but because He inspires our words so they align with God’s will).

Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is just pause, restrain our words, breathe, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Because in heaven’s courtroom…silence is safer than speech without the Spirit.

Note: When I refer to the Holy Spirit as our “attorney,” it’s a simple analogy to highlight how much we need His guidance when we speak. But He’s so much more… He’s our Comforter, Counselor, Teacher and the very presence of God with us.

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