Deadly

A man who deceives his friend and then says "I was only joking!" is like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows.

Proverbs 26:18,19 (paraphrased)

For weeks now, this verse has been bugging me day and night. I have been thinking so much about its truth and, yes, it's prevalence in my own life!! Oh, how often have I said something crass or stupid or meaningless, even sarcastic, followed by those very words "Oh, I'm just kidding!" Usually it is said with a half-laugh (if there is such a thing) and the wave of the hand gesturing like it's not a problem. Verdict? GUILTY!

It is so easy, isn't it, to just wave it off and insist that it was a joke. OK, sometimes it IS an obvious joke, and it may be very funny too. But seriously, how many times have we employed sarcasm to make a point, and then wave it off hoping to diffuse the offence by saying that we were only kidding?

That verse says that those who say it is like a madman shooting arrows that kill. Words like that can leave painful scars on a person, much like a firebrand on an animal. More and more, I am convinced that I have to be so careful with my words, and even more so with my jokes. Coz you know, one day, we'll all be accountable for what we have done on this earth and that includes the words that come out of our mouths. On that day, we will be asked if we spoke life into others, or if we used our tongues to tear and destroy. What will your answer be?

*If you're reading this on Facebook or on another site, please comment on the blog at www.thomasleong.net*