In the pattern shop of a large manufacturing plant an employee of long standing had gained the reputation among his employers and fellow workers of being the neatest and most accurate workman in the shop. One day when the general manager was making an inspection he stopped at this patternmaker's bench and inquired of him how it was that his bench was always free of shavings and extra cuttings, and his work always accurately done. The worker thought for a moment and then smilingly replied. "Well, I guess it's because I always figure twice, and cut once."
What a profound lesson may be gained from this simple answer of the patternmaker, for had he not learned, through many years of faithful service, that careful, intelligent thinking before acting produces less lost and needless motion and more satisfying results? Does not this speak a moral to those persons who are inclined to speak or act hastily, and then find that after giving the subject more intelligent thinking they regret what has been said or done? In the book of Proverbs we read, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Generally speaking, many persons are inclined to speak and act on impulse, accepting what has been told them and forming an opinion before giving the situation careful and prayerful thought. To first prayerfully ponder what one is about to say or do is to act in accordance with divine wisdom and intelligence, and this will help to bring "into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Thus is prevented the sowing in our relations with others of the seeds of malice, hate, envy, resentment, retaliation, discouragement, fear, which are the producing cause of strife, war, and separation among individuals and nations.
