Are You Ready to Eat Your Words?

We hear of many people who say they wish they could take back words they have previously used. We have also heard of others who wanted to make others "eat their words." Well, the celebrated 17th century German political historian Philipp Andreas Oldenburger had just that pleasure. It seems that Oldenburger became a little free-spirited in his criticism of the authorities in his pamphlet writings. He was arrested, found guilty, and given a most unusual sentence: "eat your own writings." And that is exactly what he was forced to do.


He writes in his memoirs that he was forced under the threat of a flogging, to eat every last shred of paper of his pamphlets. Talk about having to eat your own words! Maybe those of us whose tongues constantly commit the sin of gossip ought to be aware that words can have a devastating effect on others - and on them!






The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.


- Proverbs 12:18 (New International Version)






Dear Lord we pray that we will watch what we say. We want to say the things that would build others up and not tear them down. In Jesus’ name, Amen.