What consequences might arise from speaking against God's children, as in Psalm 73:15?

Setting the Scene—Psalm 73:15

“If I had said, ‘I will speak this way,’ behold, I would have betrayed Your children.”

Asaph pauses before voicing his complaints. He realizes that criticizing God’s people would have serious fallout. Scripture shows at least five far-reaching consequences.

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Spiritual Fallout for the Speaker

• Hardened heart—Speaking against believers nurtures resentment and unbelief (Hebrews 3:12-13).

• Divine discipline—“Anyone who destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him” (1 Corinthians 3:17).

• Loss of fellowship—Grieving the Spirit severs the sense of God’s nearness (Ephesians 4:29-30).

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Injury to God’s Children

• Discouragement—“Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).

• Division—Slander fractures unity that Christ purchased with His blood (John 17:20-23).

• Stumbling—“Whoever causes one of these little ones…to stumble, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck” (Matthew 18:6).

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Dishonor to the Lord Himself

• Insulting His representatives—“Do not touch My anointed ones; do My prophets no harm” (1 Chronicles 16:22).

• Questioning His wisdom—When we attack His children, we imply He chose poorly (Romans 14:4).

• Limiting His blessing—Psalm 133 links unity with anointing and life; the opposite brings barrenness.

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Ripple Effect on Witness

• Gospel credibility suffers—“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

• Outsiders emboldened—If believers tear each other down, the world feels free to do the same.

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Historical Case Study

• Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses (Numbers 12).

– Immediate leprosy for Miriam.

– Seven-day halt in Israel’s journey.

– Public humiliation that underscored God’s fierce protection of His servant.

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Redemptive Alternative

Instead of speaking against, Scripture urges:

• Intercession—Job prayed for friends who misjudged him and was restored (Job 42:10).

• Encouragement—“Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).

• Gentle restoration—“Brothers, if someone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him” (Galatians 6:1).

The gravity of Psalm 73:15 is clear: words aimed at God’s children rebound toward the throne. Better to guard the tongue, protect the family, and let every word build up those whom the Father calls His own.