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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: SLIP OF THE TONGUE (01/26/17)
The wallaby bolted passed, slamming into the paling fence. Startled by my presence near the washing line, he had panicked and was unsure which way was out. Desperately searching for an exit, he attempted to leap the high fence, but fell with a crash backwards. Dazed, the roo spotted the open back gate and bounded on wobbly hind legs through to the paddock beyond. Freedom at last.

That feeling of finding ourselves trapped where we least want to be is a frightening one and gives rise to inner panic. How did we get ourselves in this situation? We have all been there. A series of thoughtless words finds us backed into a corner floundering to escape.

In retrospect this predicament can be easily avoided. Hasty, impetuous words lead to trouble, whereas the wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to a matter before answering. We have all exercised little thought or wisdom before a slip of the tongue was made that landed us in an uncomfortable corner full of panic over promises that we can’t keep. Is it an over-inflated ego that causes us to make pledges that we can’t carry out? Or are we trying to be the people-pleasers that make a good impression before others? At the heart of the matter, pride is lurking to trip us up.

But God is gracious to those who seek Him earnestly. Prayerful reflection reveals our mistake and provides the way out. Honesty is the best approach, admittance of our hasty words and an apology for the inconvenience we have caused. Humility will be honored and freedom will be found.

“He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Phillip Cimei
02/08/17
A wonderful devotion piece. Adding some examples would make it a dynamic piece. Thanks for those words of wisdom. I had to think a little about "Wash line". I think that is what I call a "clothes line", where you hang laundry. That might be silly but keep in mind that words and phrases mean different things in different parts of the globe.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/08/17
This is a powerful devotion with some good advice. If you haven't submitted a devotion to FW daily devotions, I'd urge you to do so.

My only red ink was the transition from the wallaby to saying the wrong things. It didn't really connect. I know you need to do that for the topic, but the example didn't totally fit the next part.

I do like that you gave a real-life example. That makes it easy to relate to and pulls in readers who might not normally read a devotion. You did a good job.