READING: Job 40:6-42:17
Some of the memories I most regret are times when I talked too much about things of which I knew too little. Particularly as a young pastor, I always felt like I needed to answer everyone’s questions, even when I really didn’t know the answer. Silence felt like I somehow wasn’t doing my job as a pastor, so I typically gave some response.
I trust I’ve learned better since then. I pray I’ve learned to listen before I speak, to admit when I lack answers, and to speak only as the Lord leads. I want my words to be prayerful rather than boastful. If they’re not, Job’s response to God’s questioning has reminded me to recognize again this potential arrogance: “I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. . . . I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:3, 6). How painful it is to have to confess our arrogance and repent over words that only showed our ignorance!
May the Lord help us speak today only in ways that please Him—not in ways that will later require our confession and repentance.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How often do you speak words you must later take back?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “Lord, help me guard my words today. I want to please You each time I speak.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 1:1–2:25, 1 Chronicles 6:1-3a, Exodus 3:1–4:17