Jer 20:18 | MHM | STEP | v. 18 : Finally, Jeremiah asks, Why did I come forth out of the womb, to see labor and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame? (Jeremiah 20:18 ). He feels that his whole life has been filled with pain and shame. He wishes he could have stayed in the safety of the womb, instead of facing so much suffering and disgrace. We can learn important lessons from Jeremiah’s honesty. First, these words remind us that life is often full of trouble and that people sometimes feel desperate. Second, we see that strong emotions can lead us to think and say things that are not reasonable or true—like cursing a day or a messenger, or wishing one’s own mother had never given birth. The Bible warns against letting our anger or sadness guide our words (Isaiah 45:10 ), and tells us to control our tongues when our hearts are troubled (Psalm 39:1–2 ). Third, even faithful people like Jeremiah can feel weak and speak unwisely. This reminds us to be humble and always pray, Father in heaven, lead us not into temptation (Matthew 6:13 ).

‏ Jeremiah 20:18

v. 18: Finally, Jeremiah asks, Why did I come forth out of the womb, to see labor and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame? (Jeremiah 20:18 ^a). He feels that his whole life has been filled with pain and shame. He wishes he could have stayed in the safety of the womb, instead of facing so much suffering and disgrace.

We can learn important lessons from Jeremiah’s honesty. First, these words remind us that life is often full of trouble and that people sometimes feel desperate. Second, we see that strong emotions can lead us to think and say things that are not reasonable or true—like cursing a day or a messenger, or wishing one’s own mother had never given birth. The Bible warns against letting our anger or sadness guide our words (Isaiah 45:10 ^b), and tells us to control our tongues when our hearts are troubled (Psalm 39:1–2 ^c). Third, even faithful people like Jeremiah can feel weak and speak unwisely. This reminds us to be humble and always pray, Father in heaven, lead us not into temptation (Matthew 6:13 ^d).