Think Before You Speak

"'It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, "Be careful not to speak either good or bad to Jacob." Now you have indeed gone away because you longed greatly for your father’s house; but why did you steal my gods?' Then Jacob replied to Laban, 'Because I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me by force. The one with whom you find your gods shall not live; in the presence of our kinsmen point out what is yours among my belongings and take it for yourself.' For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them." -Genesis 31.29-32

As I read this I'm reminded of a the story of Jephthah in Judges 11. He makes a vow without really thinking about all the possible outcomes. But we'll get to that whenever we get to Judges 11. Here we see Jacob being confronted by Laban about something Jacob knows nothing about. And because he is so certain Jacob promises death to whoever has done what Laban has accused. He doesn't realize that he has just pronounced death on Rachel, the wife he loves.

Men, how often do speak without thinking? Let's work on that. Yeah, you may not say anything that could cost your wife her life, but how often do the things you say tear her down? How often do we make a promise to our kids that we end up not being able to keep? How many times how you committed to something and not been able to follow through? How many times do we speak without thinking?

Before we speak let's consider what we're committing to. Never let the words just fly, because once their out you can't take them back, and the damage that is done could be very difficult to repair. Sometimes it could be irreparable, like when we get to Judges 11. Think before you speak, it'll save you a lot of trouble if you do.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor