“I did not withhold my words.” (40:10)

There are several ways that the Psalmist’s sentence could end. The conclusion could be regret, futility, or success. I did not withhold my words and I regret having said things that I cannot unsay; or I did not withhold my words but I am glad that I spoke truth to power, even though nothing has changed; or I did not withhold my words and the person or organization I was addressing has changed because of what I said. The first harms relationships and feels bad, so it was better left unsaid. The second feels good but accomplishes nothing, but might have a positive influence on witnesses. The third effected positive change. Before you open your mouth, consider in which category your words are likely to fall.