The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 292: The Power of Words
Date: October 19, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz continues the Bible reading journey by exploring 1 Maccabees 11, Sirach 28–29, and Proverbs 23:9–12. He unpacks the unfolding events of Israel’s history, the wisdom about words and forgiveness from Sirach, and the cautionary proverbs about respecting boundaries and applying discernment. The central reflection revolves around the immense power of words—how they can heal or destroy—and the need for vigilance and wisdom in everyday speech.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Proverbs: The Wisdom of Boundaries

• Scripture Read: Proverbs 23:9–12
• Theme: Do not speak in the hearing of a fool; don’t remove ancient boundaries.
• Insight: Fr. Mike highlights the recurring biblical wisdom about respecting what you do not fully understand—a lesson grounded in humility and caution.
• G.K. Chesterton’s Fence Analogy (24:00):

  “Chesterton had pointed out…if you were to buy a piece of land and you came across a fence…if you didn’t know why it was there, the most foolish thing to do would be to say, ‘I don’t know why this is here, I’m going to tear it down.’”

• Application: Don't dismiss God's commandments simply because you don't understand them. Wisdom is found in respect for that which precedes us.
• Memorable Quote (25:40):

  “When I don’t understand why a thing is there, the last thing I should possibly do if I’m going to be wise is to tear it down.”

2. Maccabees: Historical Narrative vs. Editorial Commentary

• Scripture Read: 1 Maccabees 11
• Theme: The fall and rise of dynasties; complex politics, alliances, and betrayals.
• Insight: Fr. Mike points out the unique nature of 1 Maccabees compared to other historical books—it tells the story without much editorialization or direct statements about God's presence.
• Key Moment (28:06):

  “The author of Maccabees is just telling us the story with very, very little editorial comments…which is fascinating to us because we’re so used to editorial comments.”

• Application: Readers must engage their own “eyes of faith” to perceive God’s actions, as the narrative doesn’t make them explicit.
• Notable Quote (29:10):

  "This is still the story of the people of Israel…this is not God being silent for 400 years. This is God being very, very present…but we have to have the eyes to see it for ourselves, because the author’s not going to point it out."

3. Sirach: The Power—and Danger—of Words

• Scripture Read: Sirach 28–29
• Central Theme: Words can build or destroy; guard your tongue.
• Insight: Fr. Mike draws out the prominent warnings in Sirach about anger, slander, vengeance, and the devastating impact of careless speech.
• Key Analogy (Sirach 28:12) (31:17):

  “If you blow on a spark, it will glow. If you spit on it, it will be put out—and both come out of your mouth.”

  • Application: Our words can ignite conflict or soothe it—both possibilities are “in our mouth.” We must choose to be peacemakers.
• Memorable Exhortation (31:50):

  “What are the things that are coming out of my mouth? Do they bring warmth and light or do they bring destruction and devastation?”

• Wisdom on Slander & Gossip (Sirach 28:17–18) (33:05):

  “The blow of a whip raises a welt… but the blow of the tongue crushes the bones. Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but not so many as have fallen because of the tongue.”

• Application: Sins of speech—like gossip and slander—are widespread and considered “acceptable” in society, but their effects are brutal and far-reaching.
• Personal Reflection: Fr. Mike notes these are often the “last things people confess” and urges listeners to take them seriously as sins needing real conversion.

4. Generosity and Integrity in Lending (Sirach 29)

• Scripture Reflection: Lending to neighbors, patience, contentment with little, and the dangers of debt.
• Insight: True charity is patient and generous; material things are less important than keeping faith with others and God.
• Advice: Respond to the needs of those in humble circumstances, but exercise prudence.

5. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |:-------------:|----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24:00 | Fr. Mike | “If you don’t know why a fence is there, the last thing you should do is tear it down.” | | 28:06 | Fr. Mike | “…the author of Maccabees…is just telling us the story with very, very little editorial comments.” | | 29:10 | Fr. Mike | “This is not God being silent for 400 years. This is God being very, very present.” | | 31:17 | Fr. Mike | “If you blow on a spark, it will glow; if you spit on it, it will be put out—and both come out of your mouth.” | | 33:05 | Fr. Mike | “The blow of a whip raises a welt… but the blow of the tongue crushes the bones. Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but not so many as have fallen because of the tongue.” |

6. Final Reflections & Prayer

• Spiritual Practice: Fr. Mike leads a prayer asking for the “eyes of faith” to recognize God’s presence and for grace to “put your wisdom into action.”
• Encouragement: He emphasizes prayer for one another as the journey through Scripture continues:

  “Our words are just so powerful…Please help us to use our words well, to be wise in how we speak and to give him glory and not destruction for the people around us. That is a struggle for a lot of us. We need prayers. I’m praying for you. Please, please pray for me.” (34:35)

Episode Timeline

| Timestamp | Segment | |:-------------:|---------------------------------------------| | 00:04 | Introduction, readings overview | | 01:50 | Reading: 1 Maccabees 11 | | 13:55 | Reading: Sirach 28–29 | | 20:47 | Reading: Proverbs 23:9–12 | | 22:00 | Prayer | | 23:44 | Proverbs reflection and Chesterton story | | 27:58 | Historical differences in 1 Maccabees | | 30:56 | Sirach’s teaching on anger and speech | | 33:05 | Power of tongue and concluding thoughts | | 34:35 | Closing prayer & encouragement |

Summary

Episode 292 weaves together history, prophecy, and wisdom, with Fr. Mike Schmitz driving home the message that our words carry immense power—for peace or conflict, healing or harm. He challenges listeners to think before they speak, seek wisdom in both sacred tradition and daily life, and recognize God’s sometimes-hidden hand in the unfolding events of history and their own spiritual journey. The episode finishes with a call for mutual prayer and perseverance in wisdom.