There's Hope For TodaySample

Some people use words to paint pictures. We call them poets. Others use words to build foundations. We call them statesmen. And then there are those sorry souls who twist words into verbal pretzels. I call them “pretzel kings.”

Have you ever run into a pretzel king? Words have hardly passed by your lips when the pretzel king twists them into a noose with which to hang you high. Pretzel kings have been with us since time began. It all started in the Garden of Eden when Satan approached Eve with a question, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1). Pretzel kings take their cues from the father of lies and wreak havoc through exaggerated language and innuendo. They rewrite your script, recast your motives, and leave you with discredits. They fix out a lie with a truthful exterior and dance with glee when discord is sown.

By John’s account, the first words Jesus spoke to those who would seek His death were ultimately twisted into a charge to be made at his trial. Crooked people put a corkscrew into everything they touch. Watch out for pretzel kings. I’ve learned, when in their presence, it’s best not to speak at all.