Life's Inanities and Ironies

We all remember the simple children’s song:   “O be careful, little tongue, what you say…   For the Father up above is looking down in love,   So be careful, little tongue, what you say.”   As kids we sang it with gusto. As conservative Christians committed to biblical truth in 2026, we need to live it with even greater urgency. In a world of instant outrage, viral posts, heated political debates, and church conflicts, our tongues (and keyboards) can either build the Kingdom or leave a trail of devastation. The book of Judges gives us a sobering, real-life example. Turn with me to ** Judges 11:29-40 **. The Story of Jephthah : A Victorious Warrior with a Tragic Tongue Jephthah was an unlikely hero—an outcast, the son of a prostitute, rejected by his family. Yet when the Ammonites threatened Israel, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him (v. 29). He prepared for battle with divine empowerment. But then he opened his mouth and made a rash vow :...

In the book of Judges, we encounter the story of Jephthah, a leader of Israel whose life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. His story, particularly in Judges 11:29-40, is one of the most challenging and thought-provoking passages in the Old Testament. It revolves around a vow Jephthah made to God—a vow that would have heartbreaking consequences. Through this story, we are reminded of the seriousness of our commitments to God, the dangers of rash promises, and the faith required to navigate difficult situations. But beyond the tragedy, there are lessons for us today about trust, dedication, and living sacrificially for God’s kingdom. The Story of Jephthah’s Vow Jephthah was a judge of Israel during a time of conflict with the Ammonites. Empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, he prepared to lead Israel into battle. Before the fight, however, he made a vow to God: “ If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph f...