Where is Now Thy Mouth?

  This was the question Zebul asked Gael after Gael had boasted about what he would do to Abimelech (Judges 9: 38). Neither Gael nor Abimelech were commendable people. But they became adversaries. When it was evident that Gael had arrogantly bragged and the situation was much to his disadvantage Zebul made him realize that all his big talk would accomplish nothing. Gael was soon cast out and defeated.

  It was somewhat like the time when Benhadad told Ahab what he would do to Ahab if he did not surrender. Ahab said, "Let not him girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off" (1 Kings 20:11). This was another occasion when big talk was followed by little deeds. Ahab brought Benhadad down.

  We hear and see this kind of thing so often among contestants in sporting events. How often the boaster is humbled in defeat. We need to be careful and not let our egotism get the best of us that we "talk the talk" but fail to "walk the walk." It is best to say little and do much.