I was standing in the kitchen this morning, mug in hand, looking out the window as the mist lifted off the pasture like steam off a fresh-baked pie. I’d caught a little bit of the early news while waiting on the coffee, and sure enough, there it was again. All the political scuffling. Shouting, blaming, and spinning things sideways until it’s hard to tell what’s truth and what’s just noise.
As I watched the sun ease up behind the tree line, I found myself thinking on a verse from Exodus that doesn’t get much airtime these days: “Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.” (Exodus 22:28, NIV)
Now, I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve been known to throw around my opinion from time to time. Sometimes it was warranted. Most of the time, probably not. I’ve sounded off on everything from fence rows to foreign policy, and not all of it has been thoughtful. But when I read that verse, it gives me pause. Makes me wonder how often I’ve crossed a line without meaning to.
There’s a difference between speaking truth and slinging poison. One builds up, the other just eats away.
It doesn’t say we’ve got to agree with every leader or policy. Scripture is full of folks who stood firm against corruption and sin. But even then, their words carried a tone of reverence, not always for the man, but for the role he held. That’s what sticks with me. The command isn’t about blind loyalty. It’s about the posture of the heart.
Truth is, dishonor has turned into a kind of entertainment. Folks tear into each other on talk shows, online threads, and even in church foyers. Outrage has replaced reason, and sarcasm gets mistaken for substance. But the Word doesn’t change with the headlines. That verse from Exodus still holds true, whether the ruler is a Saul, a David, or someone you didn’t vote for.
I reckon what we need now isn’t louder voices, but steadier ones. People who can speak with both courage and kindness. Folks who know how to stand firm without stirring up strife. People who understand that cursing a leader doesn’t fix a broken system. It just adds more fuel to the fire.
So here’s my prayer these days: Lord, guard my tongue. Let my convictions be clear, but never cruel. Help me honor where honor is due, and remind me that every leader sits under Your authority, whether they see it or not.
It might not make headlines, but I believe that kind of respect, tempered with truth, can still make a difference. In our homes. In our churches. And in this country we care so deeply about.
Keepin’ my words seasoned and my heart steady,
Albert Barnwright
Window Watcher, Tongue Tamer
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