Session 33

Bite your tongue

From 1 Samuel: A 6-Week Devotional

Have you ever said something so stupid you wish life had a backspace option?

Parents, have you threatened your children with an “or else” command you knew you couldn’t follow through on? On the flip side, has anyone ever cut you to pieces with a sweeping statement or scathing remark?

Proverbs 15:4 says, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Our decisions, and especially our words, don’t affect just us.

In 1 Samuel 14:24, Saul commanded the Israelites to eat no food before attacking the Philistines or they would be cursed. Saul was in such haste to win the fight he disregarded the welfare of his troops, forcing them to battle while famished and weak.

The story’s twist is that Saul’s own son, Jonathan, was unaware of the vow and ate honey when he passed through a forest. Ultimately, Saul’s oath risked his son’s life.

Can you imagine how Saul felt when he discovered his son may have to pay with his life for breaking the oath? Or worse, how Jonathan felt knowing he may die over his father’s emotional order?

When faced with challenges we must ultimately ask for God’s guidance.

Our emotions can get the best of us. We are human. When faced with challenges we must ultimately ask for God’s guidance. We may not receive a direct answer immediately, but that does not give us permission to make decisions that impact others based on our own knowledge and assumptions.

Saul did not listen for God’s guidance and made a terrible decision. He was oblivious to the pain he caused to those around him, most notably his son. To avoid facing similar pain, we must examine ourselves and humble our hearts when making decisions and ask for God’s grace to assist us with our words and choices.

Reflect:

• Have you ever made a hasty decision that hurt not only yourself but also others around you? What could you have done differently to consider the impact of your decision on others?
• Are there any hurdles in your life you are asking God to step in and overcome? Pray for God to give you wise words and not impulsive remarks.