Unlike many affirmations, this one is actually pretty good.
Whether people speaking this affirmation realize it or not, it covertly recognizes one of the hallmarks of the fallen human nature: We tend to act rashly, from instinct, rather than thinking a problem through before we act.
There are times we misconstrue a situation, or we don’t have complete information. We humans also tend to get defensive when challenged, and our offense usually does little good in diffusing verbal or physical hostilities.
There are numerous places in the Bible, notably the books of Proverbs and James, where we are warned against acting like wild animals, or being loose with our lips, or playing the fool for thinking before we speak.
There is an old saying built on Proverbs 17:28 which says:
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.
Wisdom quote based in part on Proverbs 17:28
I’ve seen actionable versions of this affirmation like the old adage that we should “count to 10 before doing anything if you are angry.” The advice is solid and is meant to get us to be conscious of our feelings, which will help us to react to situations in an emotionally mature way.
So when we are tempted to act or speak without knowing the facts or when our passions become inflamed, we would do well to think a matter through before doing or saying something that both parties will usually regret.