WATCH YOUR MOUTH — YOUR WORDS MATTER!
Judges 10 & 11
INTRODUCTION:
Have you ever said something in the heat of the moment that you later regretted?
We’ve all been there—whether it’s a thoughtless comment, a promise made in desperation, or something we spoke in anger. Words are powerful. They can build up or tear down. They can bring healing or cause lasting harm.
Today, we’re going to explore a passage from the Book of Judges that emphasizes just how significant our words can be, and why we need to be careful with what we say, especially when it comes to our relationship with God.
In this passage, we meet Jephthah, a man chosen by the Israelites to lead them into battle. His story is filled with challenges, manipulation, and a tragic vow.
Through Jephthah’s actions and words, we’ll learn that our words are not just a reflection of our hearts—they are powerful and can shape the course of our lives.
Let’s take a closer look at how we can apply the lessons from Jephthah’s story to our own lives, especially in how we use our words.
MESSAGE:
The first point of Jephthah’s story teaches you to:
1. Choose Your Words Wisely (Judges 10:17–11:11)
Look with me at Judges 10:17. Here we’re told:
10:17 When the Ammonites were called to arms and camped in Gilead, the Israelites assembled and camped at Mizpah. 18 The leaders of the people of Gilead said to each other, “Whoever will take the lead in attacking the Ammonites will be head over all who live in Gilead.”
11:1Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute. 2 Gilead’s wife also bore him sons, and when they were grown up, they drove Jephthah away. “You are not going to get any inheritance in our family,” they said, “because you are the son of another woman.” 3 So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where a gang of scoundrels gathered around him and followed him. 4 Some time later, when the Ammonites were fighting against Israel, 5 the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob. 6 “Come,” they said, “be our commander, so we can fight the Ammonites.” 7 Jephthah said to them, “Didn’t you hate me and drive me from my father’s house? Why do you come to me now, when you’re in trouble?” 8 The elders of Gilead said to him, “Nevertheless, we are turning to you now; come with us to fight the Ammonites, and you will be head over all of us who live in Gilead.” 9 Jephthah answered, “Suppose you take me back to fight the Ammonites and the Lord gives them to me—will I really be your head?” 10 The elders of Gilead replied, “The Lord is our witness; we will certainly do as you say.” 11 So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and commander over them. And he repeated all his words before the Lord in Mizpah.
In this passage, Israel is in the midst of another crisis. The Ammonites, fierce enemies from the east, have attacked, and the Israelites find themselves vulnerable and desperate. This is not the first time Israel has faced such threats, but something is different this time.
When Israel’s leaders gather at Mizpah, they make an important decision: whoever leads them into battle will become their ruler (10:18). This marks the moment when Jephthah enters the scene.
Jephthah, a man with a reputation as a warrior, is invited to lead Israel. However, his background is complicated. He is the son of a prostitute, rejected by his own family, and forced into exile. Despite these setbacks, Jephthah has proven himself as a capable leader and skilled warrior. He has fought battles, earned the respect of his peers, and proven his value.
Yet, as Israel turns to him for help, his story takes a turn. Instead of eagerly agreeing to lead, Jephthah challenges the sincerity of their request. He questions the true motives of the Israelites for inviting him back to lead them in battle. He forces them to make a formal commitment to him before the Lord, insisting that their words should match their actions (11:7).
This part of the story teaches us a vital lesson: we must choose our words wisely.
Jephthah’s reaction to the Israelites’ request may seem harsh, but it reveals an important truth about the power and responsibility of our words. When we make promises, offer help, or speak in any capacity, our words should be measured, sincere, and backed by action.
Jephthah was right to challenge the Israelites’ words because, in his experience, words alone were often meaningless. Too often, people speak without considering the depth of their commitment or the consequences of their promises.
In a world where words can be twisted to suit personal agendas, we must be careful and intentional with what we say. Whether we are making promises, issuing commitments, or even offering help, we need to ensure that our words are more than just empty phrases.
As James 1:19 advises, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”
This principle urges us to be thoughtful in our speech, to think carefully before we speak, and to ensure that our words align with our intentions.
Words are not just sounds that come out of our mouths—they have weight, they carry meaning, and they shape the way people perceive us and the world around us. Words can build trust or break it, inspire or deflate, heal or wound.
In the case of the Israelites, their words of repentance had to be genuine, not just words spoken in a moment of desperation. God wasn’t looking for a fleeting apology; He was looking for true change, demonstrated by actions, not just empty words.
In our own lives, we must apply this principle. When we speak, let us speak with sincerity. Let our words reflect the truth of our hearts. This is especially true in our relationship with God.
- How often do we make promises to God in moments of difficulty, only to forget or break those promises later?
- Or perhaps we speak words of faith, but our actions do not align with what we’ve said. God values integrity in our speech—when we commit to something, let our actions back it up.
When we speak to God or others, let our words reflect a genuine desire to follow through.
The words we speak can either draw us closer to God or distance us from Him. The Israelites’ words in this story were challenged, and so should ours be. Before speaking, we must reflect on whether our words match the sincerity of our hearts and whether we are prepared to back them up with action.
The next part of this story begins in verse 12. And it reminds you, to always:
2. Stand Firm in the Truth (Judges 11:12–27)
Look with me to verse 12. Here we read:
12 Then Jephthah sent messengers to the Ammonite king with the question: “What do you have against me that you have attacked my country?” 13 The king of the Ammonites answered Jephthah’s messengers, “When Israel came up out of Egypt, they took away my land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, all the way to the Jordan. Now give it back peaceably.” 14 Jephthah sent back messengers to the Ammonite king,15 saying: “This is what Jephthah says: Israel did not take the land of Moabor the land of the Ammonites. 16 But when they came up out of Egypt, Israel went through the wilderness to the Red Sea[a] and on to Kadesh. 17 Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Give us permission to go through your country,’but the king of Edom would not listen. They sent also to the king of Moab, and he refused. So Israel stayed at Kadesh.
18 “Next they traveled through the wilderness, skirted the lands of Edom and Moab, passed along the eastern side of the country of Moab, and camped on the other side of the Arnon. They did not enter the territory of Moab, for the Arnon was its border. 19 “Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon, and said to him, ‘Let us pass through your country to our own place.’ 20 Sihon, however, did not trust Israel[b] to pass through his territory. He mustered all his troops and encamped at Jahaz and fought with Israel. 21 “Then the Lord, the God of Israel, gave Sihon and his whole army into Israel’s hands, and they defeated them. Israel took over all the land of the Amorites who lived in that country,22 capturing all of it from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the desert to the Jordan. 23 “Now since the Lord, the God of Israel, has driven the Amorites out before his people Israel, what right have you to take it over? 24 Will you not take what your god Chemosh gives you? Likewise, whatever the Lord our God has given us, we will possess. 25 Are you any better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever quarrel with Israel or fight with them? 26 For three hundred years Israel occupied Heshbon, Aroer, the surrounding settlements and all the towns along the Arnon. Why didn’t you retake them during that time? 27 I have not wronged you, but you are doing me wrong by waging war against me. Let the Lord, the Judge, decide the dispute this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites.”
Before Jephthah leads Israel into battle against the Ammonites, he takes an important step: he sends a diplomatic message to the king of Ammon. Jephthah’s objective is clear—he wants to understand why the Ammonites have come against Israel. The king of Ammon responds by accusing Israel of stealing land from the Ammonites, claiming that the Israelites wrongfully took territory that rightfully belonged to them.
Jephthah, however, doesn’t simply accept this accusation. He stands firm and responds with boldness and clarity. He reminds the king that the land Israel occupies was not seized by human conquest but was given to them by God Himself. He directly challenges the king’s false claims and affirms that Israel’s victory in securing the land was the result of God’s intervention, not territorial conquest (Judges 11:21-23).
Jephthah also mocks the Ammonites’ worship of their false god, Chemosh, sarcastically suggesting that if the Ammonites truly believe their god gave them the land, they should turn to him for help (Judges 11:24).
This exchange teaches us a critical lesson in how to respond when the truth is challenged: stand firm in the truth.
Jephthah’s words are powerful because he doesn’t back down in the face of accusations. He doesn’t shy away from confronting the falsehoods with facts and reality. Similarly, as followers of Christ, we are called to do the same when the truth of the Gospel is questioned or challenged.
Jephthah’s response here is one of bold conviction. He is confident in the truth of Israel’s story and its foundation in God’s sovereignty, and he doesn’t let the Ammonite king’s lies go unchallenged. Jephthah stands up for the truth even when confronted with opposition, and this is a call for us to do the same.
As believers, we must have the courage to stand firm in the truth of God’s Word, especially when it is contested by cynics or culture.
In a world filled with misconceptions, false narratives, and challenges to the Gospel, it can be easy to shy away from standing firm in the truth. There are pressures to compromise, to remain silent, or to avoid difficult conversations, but the call of Christ on our lives is to be bold and unashamed of the truth. Jesus Himself taught that we would face opposition for standing firm in the truth, but He also assured us that He is with us, strengthening us for the task (Matthew 28:20).
This passage calls for boldness and conviction. Jephthah’s words demonstrate that standing firm in the truth will always require courage, clarity, and the willingness to confront falsehoods head-on.
As we live out our faith, we will encounter challenges to the truth of the Gospel—whether in the form of misconceptions, misunderstandings, or outright opposition. But we are called to stand firm, rooted in the Word of God, and defend the truth with grace and confidence.
So, as we reflect on Jephthah’s experience, let us ask ourselves: Are we standing firm in the truth of God’s Word? Are we willing to speak up when the Gospel is misrepresented or misunderstood?
We must not be intimidated by the world’s arguments or tempted to compromise in our convictions. Instead, we should respond like Jephthah—speaking the truth with boldness, conviction, and clarity. Let us not shy away from defending the truth of the Gospel, but rather, let us stand firm, trusting that God will give us the strength to speak the truth in love and with confidence.
The third part of this story begins in verse 28. And it reminds you, to always:
3. Think Before You Speak (Judges 11:28–40)
Look with me at verse 28:
28 The king of Ammon, however, paid no attention to the message Jephthah sent him. 29 Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah. He crossed Gilead and Manasseh, passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from there he advanced against the Ammonites. 30 And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands,31 whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” 32 Then Jephthah went over to fight the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into his hands. 33 He devastated twenty towns from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith, as far as Abel Keramim. Thus Israel subdued Ammon. 34 When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of timbrels! She was an only child. Except for her he had neither son nor daughter. 35 When he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried, “Oh no, my daughter! You have brought me down and I am devastated. I have made a vow to the Lord that I cannot break.”36 “My father,” she replied, “you have given your word to the Lord. Do to me just as you promised, now that the Lord has avenged youof your enemies, the Ammonites. 37 But grant me this one request,” she said. “Give me two months to roam the hills and weep with my friends, because I will never marry.”38 “You may go,” he said. And he let her go for two months. She and her friends went into the hills and wept because she would never marry. 39 After the two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed. And she was a virgin. From this comes the Israelite tradition 40 that each year the young women of Israel go out for four days to commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite.
Jephthah’s story reaches its tragic climax when, in a moment of desperation, he makes a vow to God. Faced with the looming battle and a desire for victory, Jephthah rashly promises that whatever comes out of his house first to greet him upon his return will be offered as a burnt sacrifice to the Lord (Judges 11:30-31). At that moment, his emotions and desire for success cloud his judgment, leading him to make a vow that will have irreversible consequences.
Jephthah’s return from battle is filled with victory, but his joy quickly turns to sorrow. As he approaches his house, his only daughter—his beloved child—is the first to come out to meet him. She is dancing and celebrating, completely unaware of the devastation her greeting will bring. In an instant, Jephthah’s triumph becomes a tragedy, as he realizes the consequences of the vow he made. He is bound by the words he has spoken, and even though his heart is torn, he cannot go back on his promise (Judges 11:35).
This moment in Jephthah’s story is a sobering reminder that our words carry consequences. In moments of emotion, desperation, or eagerness, we can speak words that have far-reaching effects. Jephthah’s tragic vow illustrates how our words can bind us, even when we did not foresee the consequences. What begins as a moment of passion and desire for victory turns into a lifetime of regret.
Think before you speak. This is the powerful lesson we can take away from Jephthah’s experience. We live in a world where words are spoken quickly and without thought—sometimes in moments of frustration or when emotions run high. The truth is, when we speak hastily, especially under pressure or in a desire to “make things right,” we may find ourselves in situations we never intended. Just like Jephthah, we may make promises or vows that sound right in the moment but become burdens we cannot undo.
The Bible is clear about the power of words. In Matthew 12:36, Jesus warns, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” In the book of James, we are cautioned to be careful with our words: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). These scriptures remind us that our words matter. They are not just fleeting sounds or idle chatter—they have power to bless or to curse, to heal or to wound. Words, once spoken, cannot be taken back, and we will be held accountable for them.
In our own lives, how many times have we spoken hastily in moments of anger or frustration? How often do we make promises or vows in the heat of the moment, only to regret them later? Jephthah’s story teaches us that before making commitments, especially to God, we need to stop and think. We must evaluate whether we truly understand the consequences of our words and if we are prepared to follow through.
This story also calls us to consider the promises we make to God. Are we speaking with integrity? Are we genuinely willing to keep the promises we make, or are we saying what we think God wants to hear in a moment of need? Like Jephthah, we must remember that words spoken in desperation can carry devastating consequences if we are not careful.
So, how can we apply this to our lives? Think before you speak.
Whether in our daily conversations, in our promises to others, or in our prayers to God, we must pause and consider the impact of our words. Ask yourself: Am I speaking out of emotion? Am I making promises I am not prepared to keep? Am I truly honoring God with my words?
Especially when we find ourselves in difficult situations or moments of heightened emotion, we need to take a step back and give ourselves space to think. In times of stress, pressure, or fear, we may be tempted to say things we don’t mean or make promises we cannot fulfill. But by remembering Jephthah’s story, we are reminded to choose our words with care, knowing that they can shape the future in ways we may not foresee.
The next part of this story begins in verse 12. And it reminds you, to always:
4. Be Cautious with Your Promises (Judges 11:28–40)
The story of Jephthah’s vow is one of the most troubling passages in the Book of Judges. It reveals the tragic consequences of an impulsive vow and serves as a sobering reminder of the weight and gravity of the promises we make—especially those made to God. While making vows to God was a common practice in the Old Testament, Jephthah’s vow is different because it was made hastily and without consideration of the consequences. His desire for victory led him to promise something that, in the end, cost him dearly: the life of his own daughter.
Jephthah’s vow is problematic for several reasons. First, it was made without fully understanding the implications of what he was committing to. The text tells us that he made this vow in desperation, asking God for victory in battle and promising that whatever came out of his house first would be offered as a burnt offering to God (Judges 11:30-31). This rash decision, made in the heat of the moment, led to a devastating and irreversible outcome.
The most troubling aspect of this story is that Jephthah, a leader of Israel, should have known better. God’s law, clearly stated in Leviticus 18:21, forbids human sacrifice. The practice was detestable to God, and He had made it clear that no one should offer a human being as a sacrifice. Additionally, Jephthah could have made a substitute offering, as specified in Leviticus 27:1-8. There was a clear provision in God’s law for a way out of such a vow—yet Jephthah did not seek God’s guidance or offer a substitute. Instead, he followed through with his rash vow, ultimately sacrificing his daughter.
This tragic mistake highlights how far Israel had fallen from God’s ways. By this time in Israel’s history, the people had lost sight of God’s law, and Jephthah’s actions reflect the spiritual decay that had taken root. The story of Jephthah’s vow is not just about one man’s mistake; it is a reflection of how deeply Israel had abandoned God’s commands and had begun to make decisions based on their own impulses, desires, and emotions, rather than on God’s clear instructions.
This passage serves as a warning to us: be cautious with your promises, especially when you make them to God. Our words carry weight, and when we make promises to God, we must take them seriously. God does not want us to make impulsive vows or promises, and He does not want us to manipulate Him with words we cannot keep. We must not add to or take away from God’s Word, as Jephthah did. It’s easy to make promises in moments of pressure, desperation, or emotion, but we must be careful that our words are thoughtful, sincere, and aligned with God’s will.
Jephthah’s tragic decision is also a reminder that God’s grace does not condone our careless actions. While God is always ready to forgive and restore, there are consequences to our decisions, particularly when we act without wisdom or understanding. Jephthah’s vow was not in alignment with God’s heart or His law, and while we may not face such extreme consequences for our own impulsive words, we must recognize that God is not mocked, and we are accountable for the words we speak, especially when we make promises to Him.
So how can we apply this to our lives? We must remember that God’s Word is sufficient. We do not need to add to God’s commands or create vows and promises in an attempt to gain favor with Him. God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness through His Word (2 Peter 1:3). There is no need for empty promises or vows that go beyond what He has asked of us. When we follow God’s Word, we walk in obedience, and that obedience is what pleases Him—not the rash vows we make in desperation or excitement.
And in addition, when we make promises to God, we need to keep them. James 5:12 says, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’” meaning we should honor our words. God values integrity and faithfulness, and when we make promises to Him, we must fulfill them, even when it is difficult. If we find ourselves in a situation where we have made a promise we cannot keep, we should seek God’s guidance and repent, acknowledging our mistake and asking for His grace to walk in alignment with His will moving forward.
As we wrap up this story — I want to point out something that we must always look for in the story’s of scripture. Above all else, I want you to…
5. See the Gospel in Jephthah’s Story (Judges 11:28–40)
Jephthah’s story is one filled with tragedy and failure. His rash vow, made in the heat of the moment, led to the destruction of his family. His words, though well-intended, became a burden he could not undo, resulting in an irreversible loss. As we reflect on this, it might seem like nothing good could come from such a sorrowful and disturbing passage. But as we dig deeper, we find that even in the midst of Jephthah’s failure, this story points us to a greater truth—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jephthah’s story teaches us about the consequences of our words, our inability to fully pay the price for our own mistakes, and the devastating effects of sin. His vow to God, although made in desperation, ultimately led to the loss of his only daughter—an innocent life, sacrificed due to the foolishness of a vow he could not revoke. In this tragic tale, we see the profound weight of sin and the consequences of impulsive decisions made without understanding the full implications of our actions.
Yet, as we look to the New Testament, we discover that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of a vow made for us—a vow that leads to our redemption, not destruction. Unlike Jephthah, whose vow resulted in loss, Jesus made the ultimate vowthat would lead to life and hope for all humanity. On the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the consequences of our foolish words, our reckless promises, and our sin. Jesus paid the price for our mistakes, offering us forgiveness through His sacrifice. His death was the ultimate payment for the price we could never afford, and His resurrection brings us the hope of new life.
The silence of God that Jephthah experienced—feeling abandoned, caught in the weight of his words—points us to the silence that Jesus experienced on the cross. In His final moments, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). Jesus, in that moment, experienced the silence and separation from God that we deserve because of our sin. He became the ultimate sacrifice, taking the weight of all our foolishness and sins upon Himself. In doing so, He opened the door for us to experience the voice of God once more.
Through Jesus, the silence is broken. Jesus gives us a new word—a word of grace, forgiveness, and love. Where Jephthah’s vow led to sorrow, Jesus’ vow leads to life. Jesus spoke a better word than any vow we could ever make. His word is not one of condemnation, but one of mercy. Instead of punishment, we receive grace. Instead of rejection, we are accepted as sons and daughters of God. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer bound by our foolish promises, our brokenness, or our failures. We are set free to walk in His love and mercy.
Conclusion:
Jephthah’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the immense weight our words carry. Words matter—they shape our relationships, influence our decisions, and can have eternal consequences. The words we speak are not just fleeting sounds; they have the power to heal or harm, to build or destroy. As we navigate our daily lives, we must be mindful of the words we speak. They have the potential to either draw people closer to God or push them further away.
Let’s commit to using our words to build others up, to speak the truth in love, and to honor God with our lips. Our words should reflect the heart of Christ, bringing life, peace, and encouragement to those around us. We are called to speak words of grace, truth, and kindness, especially in a world that so often values harshness and division.
But even as we strive to use our words well, we must remember that the words we speak to God must be sincere. Like Jephthah, we may be tempted to make impulsive vows or speak in ways that manipulate or bargain with God. But God desires honesty, humility, and authenticity in our relationship with Him. Let us not be like those who use words to twist God’s arm or attempt to win His favor through empty promises. Instead, let our words reflect a true and contrite heart.
However, we know that we will fall short. We all fail at times—we say things in haste, make promises we can’t keep, or speak out of frustration. But when we fail, we don’t have to bear the weight of our words alone. We can turn to Jesus, who has taken the consequences of our mistakes and failures upon Himself. Jesus, through His death on the cross, took upon Himself the penalty for our impulsive and sinful words. In Him, our words can be redeemed. We no longer have to live in the guilt of our missteps; through Jesus, we can be forgiven and set free from the consequences of our sin.
So, let us use our words to honor God, to bless others, and to reflect the grace we’ve received through Christ. And when we stumble, may we always turn back to Him for the forgiveness, grace, and transformation that only He can provide. Our words, redeemed by His love, can become a powerful testimony of His mercy.
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the reminder that our words matter. Help us to be mindful of what we say, especially in our relationship with You. Forgive us for the times we’ve spoken hastily or manipulatively. Teach us to speak words of truth, love, and grace. We thank You for Jesus, who took the consequences of our words and actions on the cross. Through Him, we have forgiveness and new life. Help us to live in the freedom that He offers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
- 1.Think about things that you have said to people during the past day.
- 2.How many of the words you have spoken were empty or destructive?
- 3.Consider how you can use your speech to build people up.
- 4.How are you honoring God with your life…are you living up to your confession of Him as Lord & Savior?