RESOLUTION

MEMORY VERSE: My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit (Job 27:4).

In times of despair, many have lost control, saying things that violate their convictions. Job was determined not to allow that to happen to him. Though covered with boils and grieving the loss of home and family, he would not compromise his testimony. An acceptable excuse did not open the door to a flow of words that were inconsistent with Job's character.

The good man was even careful of speech when responding to his wife upon her suggestion that he curse God and die. Preachers and Bible teachers have often pounced on her statement to illustrate a lesson on frail faith or a critical attitude, but Job answered her tenderly. Taking into consideration her feelings in the loss of their loved ones and their wealth, Job said warmly, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh (Job 2:10). Note that this understanding husband did not call his wife a fool nor respond to her awful urging harshly. He was saying, "You're not yourself today. You're talking like one of the foolish women. And I know why. It's all this grief and pressure. But let's remember that God is in control."

Now while battered by the criticism of his self-appointed comforters, Job retains control of his tongue. Although their accusations have been false, he will not be shaken by them to the point of answering wickedly. His resolution to be faithful in his speech is an example to all.

Perhaps you are going through trials and this is affecting your conversation. Barriers of decency and pure speech have been falling. You've been given to pouting and complaining since the trouble began. Your language has become like one of the foolish ones.

Join Job. Let Christ control your tongue!