Eating Our Words
“And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.”~ Rev. 10:10
I read that "eating one's words,” carries the connotation of being humiliated or shamed for one's past opinions or assertions. The expression "eat one's words" is an old one; it has been traced back at least as far as the 1570's.
It seems to me, over these long years, that God has made me eat the things I have preached and counseled others to do in their own lives during difficult times.
I am speaking of such scriptures as: All things work together for good; He doeth all things well; Though He slay me yet still I will trust in Him; the sufferings of the present are not worthy to be compared with what is awaiting us; He careth for you; God is good; etc.
The above verses are sweet to the taste, but when digested, bitter to the belly! One might say, "They’re bittersweet.” Or as they say, “That’s hard to stomach."
One of Job’s critical friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, said to the sufferer, “Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.”~ Job 4:3-5
Let us show patience with those who fit into the above category; it can be devastating and so humbling. May we heed the words of poor Job to his miserable friends, “To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend…”
by an Aged Saint
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