The Harm We Cause: The Case Of Careless Speech
Proverbs 15
KJV
1+ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
It is a fact that a mouth that is not trained can cause irreparable damage to its owner. Words that drop from our lips guarded or unguarded are what have brought us to where we are today. The timing of what one says, where one says it and to whom is very important
Wherever you’ve found yourself today is as a result of the use to which you put your mouth. In other words, the things you said, how and when you said them and to whom are the reason you are who/what you are today, whether good or bad.
Let me be practical and clear, there are times you’ll say good things but yet receive bad treatment; just as there are times you’ll say bad things and yet receive good treatment. Yes.
Why is this so, one may ask? Dear reader it is a question of audience. In the company of evil men, the good you’ll say will land you in trouble. In the company of good men, the good you’ll say will give you a good reception
So watch the group or audience, the circle you fraternise with. You’ve heard it said on many occasions “In the midst of fools, it is foolishness to be wise “. The Lord expressed similar thoughts; read it
Matthew 7
KJV
6+ Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Many have innocently made enemies by expressing their good thoughts, ideas etc unfortunately among the wrong audience. So know where and to whom you talk to.
I read something Jesus said to a man He healed he told him not to tell anyone but instead go and see the priest and perform a rite.
Read a few of them
Matthew 8
KJV
2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
4+ And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
Matthew 9
KJV
30+ And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
Mark 5
KJV
43+ And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
Mark 7
KJV
36+ And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;
I was asking myself why. Who does a good deed and would not let it be known especially when it promotes a worthy cause?
I later noticed that these acts of Jesus were making Him popular something the religious leaders found irritating. So they plotted against Him.
My dear reader do we not see the same reactions from some today? Be it in the secular or spiritual circles. Dearly beloved it is not everyone who is interested in your sacred story. Good news does not travel far, it is the bad that goes beyond borders.
Jesus learnt this the hard way. It got to a point where He no longer walked openly but walked in secret; read it
John 7
KJV
1+ After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
10+ But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
11+ Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
You see? Obi nî mô deñ a obô eyè obi è hî so do not advertise your success everywhere among any group! Jesus cautioned those he healed because of this very reason.
Celebrate your blessings, successes etc among those who believe God is the source, and will be motivated if not inspired to trust Him to bless them also.
A thought to share with you