Holy Fear, Humbled Speech

One sin binds these readings together: proud speech before the holy God. At Babel, men used one tongue to make a name for themselves, to rise without obedience, to secure by brick what can be received only by humility. So the Lord scattered their words and their work. As it is written, “Go to, let us go down and confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech, and they may be dispersed into cities and nations, and one purpose will no longer abide with them...” The judgment was severe, yet it broke a wicked union.

Psalm 6 teaches us how a sinner should answer such severity: not with excuses, but with confession, tears, and a plea for mercy. Origen says, “That the so-called wrath of God and what is called his anger has a corrective purpose.” Therefore when God rebukes, do not harden yourself. His chastening is not given so that we may perish, but so that we may turn.

Isaiah shows the right end of this turning. He does not boast of his lips, his office, or his nation. He cries woe upon himself. The seraphim do not flatter man; they veil themselves and cry, Holy, holy, holy. Only then is the prophet cleansed and made ready for service. The man whose lips are purified may finally speak rightly, because he has first learned silence, repentance, and fear.

Guard your mouth, then. Leave every tower of self-exaltation. If your speech has been proud, false, bitter, or vain, bring it under judgment now, before the Judge makes plain all things. Better to be corrected and healed than left alone in your sin.