And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said-Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. 1 Samuel 24:16
Many mourn for their sins that do not truly repent of them, weep bitterly for them, and yet continue in love and league with them. Those who take care to keep a good conscience may leave it to God to secure them the credit of it. This fair confession was enough to prove David innocent but not enough to prove Saul himself a true penitent.
Saul, for the present, desisted from the persecution. He went home convinced, but not converted; ashamed of his envy of David, yet retaining in his breast that root of bitterness vexed that, when at last he had found David, he could not at that time find in his heart to destroy him as he had designed. God has many ways to tie the hands of persecutors, when He does not turn their hearts. (Matthew Henry)
Twice, David had an opportunity to kill Saul, and he would not. Tears accompanied Saul's words to David that he would not pursue him anymore. They were not true; his words didn't match what was in his heart. Only God can change the heart of a man.
"Sorry" is a quick fix word to children; it will roll off of their tongue in a heartbeat if they think trouble is coming. Sorry sounds nice, but doesn't mean a thing unless your actions change. If they haven't learned anything else this year; they know this life rule.
Words are cheap, which is why we talk so much. But they should have value to them.
These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. Isaiah 29:13
4 comments:
Very interesting. I have to say though, I think words are very important in so many ways.
Words have shaped civilization as we know it.
Isn't the bible made out of words?
Does that mean it is cheap too?
I appreciate the fact that God looks at the heart... but that cuts both ways. He knows when I have good intentions, and am trying, and really want to do better. Yet He also knows when it's just words, not coming from my heart, not lining up with my actions.
This makes me thankful for His mercy and grace.
He understands...
He knows.
He knows the whole story.. all of what each person is going thru. Not to make excuses, but for the sake of compassion.
I agree that words are incredibly powerful. But without the corresponding action, they are paper tigers.
A very thought-provoking post... thank you.
Loretta
=^..^
Words from the Bible, come directly from God, Himself; I was referring to the words that I speak; just to her myself talk. Words that have thought behind them--they make the difference.
That's so true. Words are cheap...it's the actions behind those words that truly matter.
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