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Day 22: Slow to Speak

The Daily Word: Friday, January 22nd, 2021
Genesis 44:1-45:28
Matthew 14:13-36
Psalm 18:37-50
Proverbs 4:11-13
For full text click here.

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
“Look, we brought back to you from the land of Canaan the money which we found in the mouth of our sacks. How then could we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house? With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord’s slaves.” – Gen. 44:8-9

Joseph’s brothers left Egypt with grain. But they didn’t know that Joseph had hidden his “silver cup” (v 2) in Benjamin’s bag. When Joseph’s servant overtook his brothers, they made a rash oath: “With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die!” But they didn’t know that, with their words, they would condemn their brother Benjamin. Benjamin was found with the cup, and because of their own words, Benjamin could have died and they all could have become slaves.

No matter how sure you are that you’re right: don’t make a promise too quickly. Joseph’s brothers had no reason to respond the way they did. Why make an oath when you don’t have to? Why swear to your death when it is not required? We do this all the time. We say dangerous things like, “I swear to God.” We say silly things like, “I swear on my mother’s grave.” And none of it is necessary or wise.

But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. – Matt 5:37

Be slow to speak. Don’t make promises too quickly! Don’t pledge something you’re not ready to freely give. For a servant of Jesus, a simple “yes” or “no” is enough.

Prayer:

Father, make me a man of my word! And make me a man who is slow to speak. I know that death and life are in the power of my tongue! Help me to use it wisely, and not rashly, in Jesus’ name.

© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.

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