Watch your Words

Read Genesis 31:22–28

Reflection

Laban was in hot pursuit of Jacob after he left with Laban’s daughters and grandchildren without saying goodbye. While you might think Jacob was being a little unfair, Laban wasn’t only being sentimental. He was also fearing for his own wealth. Jacob had made the family business prosperous, and he was taking all of his stock with him. Laban also thought he had taken his idols, which were thought to be associated with the family inheritance.

God knew what Laban was up to. He knew that Laban was angry and would try to stop Jacob from going home. So He warned Laban to be careful about what he said and, essentially, to leave Jacob in peace. Unfortunately, Laban let his assumptions and anger get the better of him, trying to make Jacob feel guilty and calling his decision foolish.

Relationships have their arguments and, with them, comes a choice about how you use your words. You might be someone who is not measured about what you say and just let it all out. You might be a little more manipulative with your words to make the other person feel bad. God’s Wisdom is beyond these ways of arguing. He doesn’t tell you not to be angry or upset, but He might just be whispering, as He did to Laban, to keep yourself in check and not say anything.

As it says in Scripture, “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing” (1 Peter 3:9, NLT).

Consider and Pray

Are there opportunities in your relationships to be more careful with what you say? Pray that God helps you with self-control and ask for peace to prevail.