You Can’t Take Them Back
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18
“Get out of my house! Now!” Logan shouted at his sister, pointing toward the door. The muscles in his neck bulged with the fierceness of his attitude; his face was contorted in rage. In one single moment, Logan had lost control of his actions, and his tongue had become a weapon. Emotion overrode intelligence and restraint. He regretted his words the moment he heard them out loud, but he couldn’t take them back now—his pride wouldn’t let him. Doggone her anyway! he thought. I didn’t ask for her opinion!
Stunned beyond understanding, Sarah turned and ran from the house; the wound was immediate. Jumping in her car, she slammed the door, started the car, ripped the shifter into reverse, and backed out of the driveway. In her confused state, Sarah backed right into the path of a dump truck carrying a load of gravel to a nearby construction site. Rushing out the door, Logan saw events unfolding; he was too late to help. He watched in horror as the power of his words affected his sister’s life. Sarah would spend three weeks hospitalized in traction, and would need to learn to walk again.
†
One of our greatest struggles is controlling our tongue. James wrote a whole chapter about it. Solomon speaks to the recklessness of our words, the lack of consideration we give to how our speech affects others. Logan would have given anything to take back the venomous arrows he lodged in Sarah’s heart. But once they’re out, they can’t be recovered.
None of us is exempt in this matter.
We know how much it hurts to be wounded by someone’s speech, so why is that so hard to remember when we find ourselves in moments of critical decision? Preparation and the lack of it. It’s a wise man that thinks ahead. He understands the consequences of his words and acts accordingly. Kind words bring healing and favor. Harsh words pierce and destroy. Once past our lips, we can’t take them back.
Prayer
“Help me bring favor in times of crisis, Lord. And forgive me for the times my tongue wounds. Teach me to think ahead. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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