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Day 63 Matthew 22:15-22 Matthew 22:15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. 16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teach the way of God in truth, neither care thou for any man: for thou regard not the person of men. 17 Tell us therefore, What think thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then said he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left him, and went their way. Has anyone tried to trap you with words? You see evidence of people misconstruing what a person says, especially those in leadership, by giving statements misrepresenting what they said by leaving out words and selecting only those words that would make the person look other than what he or she said. The Pharisees wanted to trap Jesus by asking him a question that could have serious consequences if he were to tell them not to pay their tribute to Rome. It would be punishable by death. In fact, the chief priests tried to use what he said against him at his trial. Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; 60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, 61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. (KJV) As Christians, you also need to be careful what you say so it cannot be misconstrued as something else entirely. What you say, what you do, where you go, who you’re seen with, if anyone wants to cause trouble for you, they will do so, any way they can. Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (KJV) Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (KJV) Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV) Remember, if people want to misconstrue your words, they will find a way to do it, just as they did when they tried to trap Jesus with his words. Let’s pray: Father, keep my words from condemnation. Let me always speak what is noble and true. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 21 June 2018 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay