But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. This made the king furious, and he burned with anger. (Esther 1:12 NLT)

This morning I was struck by the domino chain of events that was sparked by the queen’s one insulting act of defiance.

This past week the world has witnessed the domino effects of one YouTube video deemed insulting by others around the world.

Quite often I find myself wanting to say something or do something that I know would be insulting or just inappropriately snarky. Then, I think of the trouble that it would ultimately cause me (which I’ve learned from experience).

As I sit in the airport typing this post on my phone, I’m tired and staring down a long week on the road. The last thing I need is to say something stupid and have to deal with the fallout.

Lord, help me to know when to speak, and when to keep my mouth shut.