Hard circumstances. Burdened heart. Bitter thoughts.
Words.
How powerful they can be.
One woman to another. One mind swaying another. One perspective pressing the other into a line of action. (See the beginning of the book of Ruth for the actual story.)
Perhaps Orpah’s thoughts were already dwelling on earthly realities. And her mother-in-law’s words were simply the last needed arrow in one direction for the decision to be made.
Have you ever realized that the circumstances you are in, any burden on your heart and any thoughts growing from that garden …may turn into words …words that turn away?
That urge another to seek earthly refuge? That urge another to take a slanted viewpoint of what must be right?
Words.
How powerful they can be.
A well-meaning but bitter woman spoke: Naomi.
A sorrowing, but listening heart, obeyed: Orpah.
Did Orpah ever hear of the mercy her sister-in-law Ruth found?
“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” Jonah 2:8
