In Matthew 25:14-30 we read the story about the master who gave three of his servants “talents” to invest. While the first two realized a gain on their investments, the third servant buried his, using the excuse that he was afraid of his master. His exact words: “I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed” (Matt. 25:24). Much to his surprise, the master used this man’s own words against him when he asked:
“So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown
and gather where I have not scattered seed?” Matt. 25:26
Earlier in the book of Matthew, we read “. . . men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37). Scary thought, isn’t it? Fortunately, the Lord’s mercy is long and his anger is short.
Maybe we should pray the prayer of the Psalmist: “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” Psalms 141:4.
How would your words change if the Lord set a guard over your mouth?