Rash Words Lead to Rash Actions

“By the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them; for they rebelled against the Spirit of God, and rash words came from Moses’ lips.”
Psalm 106:32-33 (NIV)

Rash words were spoken by Moses near the end of their wilderness wanderings. “Meribah” means “quarreling”. Numbers 20 records the story. Once again, the children of Israel were complaining and quarreling with Moses. Since there was no water where they camped, the Bible says, “… they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The people blamed Moses and said, ‘If only we had died in the LORD’s presence with our brothers! Why have you brought the congregation of the LORD’s people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!’” Numbers 20:2-5 (NLT)

Moses had put up with their complaining and quarreling for 40 years in the wilderness. No doubt, he was tired. This wasn’t the first time they had come to a dry hole on their journey.  The first time was in Exodus 15, just three days after God had delivered them from Egypt. The only water they could find then was too bitter to drink, but God showed Moses a tree so that when he put the tree into the bitter water, it became sweet, and they were able to drink it. Then again, in Exodus 17, the place where they camped had no water. They complained against Moses and were ready to stone him to death, blaming his poor leadership. When Moses cried out to God there, the Lord told him, “‘Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.’ So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the LORD saying, ‘Is the LORD among us or not?’” Exodus 17:5-7 (NIV)

Here we are again, some 40 years later, and the people haven’t changed a bit! You would think we might learn from the lessons of the past and God’s faithfulness to provide, but how often have we responded just like Israel when we are tested and tried? Moses had had it! Enough! This time, when the people complained and quarreled against Moses, he exploded with anger and spoke rash words! Unlike before, when God told Moses to strike the rock, this time Moses was to speak to the rock and water would come out of it. In anger, though, Moses summoned the people to come and gather at the rock as he shouted, “‘Listen, you rebels! … Must we bring you water from this rock?’ Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.” Numbers 20:10-11 (NLT)

Moses called them “rebels!” and gave them the impression that he and Aaron performed the miracle of bringing water from the rock by striking it twice. Rash words led to rash actions on Moses’ part, and it would cost him dearly.  In verses 12 and 13, the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “‘Because you did not trust Me enough to demonstrate My holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!’ This place was known as the waters of Meribah (which means “arguing”) because there the people of Israel argued with the LORD, and there He demonstrated His holiness among them.”

Although the people were helped and God provided the water they so desperately needed, Moses was disciplined in the most painful way. He would be prohibited from entering the promised land. Rash words have consequences, especially when they lead to rash actions, and we glorify ourselves instead of God. This story and how the Psalmist recounts it in Psalm 106 provide a great warning to us all, especially to those in leadership. Our words matter. If the meekest and most humble man in all the earth could fail, we must take heed lest we also fail. Even when others anger you, you must be careful not to speak rashly. This is difficult, isn’t it? In fact, without the Spirit of God empowering us, it would be impossible. James tells us in the New Testament that the tongue is impossible to tame and full of deadly poison in James 3:7. Proverbs 13:3 (NIV2011) tells us, “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”

Given that we all struggle with speaking rash words, the Psalmist offers this prayer as a model for us to pray. “Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (NLT)


Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.

Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.

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