WEDNESDAY 4 May, 2016

Setting a Fire

So he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. Then Joab arose and came to Absalom’s house, and said to him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?” - 2 Samuel 14:30-31

Absalom wanted his demands to see the king met, he was not willing to wait any longer; this ongoing situation needed to be resolved. After his second try to get a response from Joab failed, Absalom, true to his own character, took matters into his own hands. He knew just how to get Joab’s attention and set his field ablaze! Imagine, Joab must have been infuriated as he questioned Absalom’s motives.

If we do not carefully watch over our mouths, our words are apt to set our own fires. Our tongues can set the world aflame! James 3:6 describes the tongues destructive abilities:

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

Think before you speak! Avoid the temptation to use your tongue to delight in gossip or tear down others. Imagine how many families have been divided over something said in anger, or a word spoken unkindly. We do not even think of the damage we do with our words. Many children are often destroyed when their parents are constantly belittling them. Remember words can be forgiven, but we can never take them back. 

We need to learn to use our tongues to uplift, encourage and be kind to each other. It takes self-control to manage our words. We can prayerfully ask assistance from God: Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3).

A tongue that is set on fire from hell shall be set on fire in hell.
~Thomas Manton~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!