Have You Ever Regretted Saying Something Like This?

John 1:45-46 - Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote — Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?"  NASU 
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• Speaks Without Knowledge 

I am sure we have all been guilty of speaking without having complete knowledge of a situation. Nathanael moves right up to the top of the list when he makes an off the cuff remark about Jesus and His hometown, Nazareth. 
  
"Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" is the question Nathanael asks. 
  
Only Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is going open a pathway for anyone who desires to go to heaven and not hell. 
  
So, yes, I believe there is someone who will come from Nazareth to remove the negativity of this little town. 

• A Better Way To Speak 

There is a time when we should speak and a time when we should hold our tongues.
  
It will be very soon and Nathanael will realize he should not have made that statement about Nazareth because not only can something good come out of Nazareth someone good did come out of Nazareth. 
  
I have listed some scriptures for us below. I hope you will find them beneficial as they bless you and challenge you to think before you speak. 
  
Prov. 10:19 - When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. 
  
Prov. 17:27-28 - He who restrains his words has knowledge, 
And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; 
When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. 
  
Prov. 29:20 - Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.  

• Philip and Nathanael 

I wonder how many times Philip would retell the story about what Nathanael said about Jesus and Nazareth. I can see them sitting at a table eating and Philip saying "I remember telling Nate to come and see the One Moses spoke about in the Law and what does he say to me, 'Nothing good can come from Nazareth'" 
  
Man did he change his mind after Jesus spoke to him for less than a minute. 
  
As I read this story it reminds me of me. It wasn't until I started listening to the Words of Jesus that I was able to get my act together. 
  
Do yourself a favor be swift to hear and slow to speak and if you are going to speak invite people to come and meet Jesus. 
  
Think About These: 
  
The written word can be erased, not so with the spoken word. 
  
Kind words do not wear out the tongue - so speak them freely. 

Stay Pumped, 
  
Gary A. Serago 
  
Minister of God's Word