The saying, “Take care,” has multiple applications. Its impact is shaped by the posture of the speaker and its influence upon the hearer.
- It may be used as a friendly encouragement as a parting comment to a conversation. In this use it is desiring the best for the other person and encouraging them to take loving care of themselves.
- “. . . but that the members may have the same care for one another.” – 1 Corinthians 12:25
- It may be said as a parting remark with a sense of concern or worry. In this regard it may be of a warning nature. It can duly alert another to their environment and to avoid negative encounters.
- “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God.” – Hebrews 3:12
- “But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” – 1 Corinthians 8:9
- “So take diligent heed [care] to yourselves to love the Lord your God.” – Joshua 23:11
- It may be offered with a sense of worry and fear for the sake of the other, or of life in general; this has a less than uplifting or positive impact upon the hearer. It may cause them to worry and fear for their own well-being. It may stimulate people to act in self-protection or self-determination—thus taking care upon themselves. In instance, one should not “take cares” upon oneself. Rather we roll them over onto the Lord for him to carry their weight and implications.
- “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry [cares] of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” – Matthew 13:22
- “casting all your anxiety (cares) on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
- Often to “take care” is a call to closer examination of life experience—to understand, to learn, to grow, to profit, to choose what is upright. Some versions of numerous Biblical passages express this as “take heed.”
- “And he was saying to them, take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you, and more will be given you besides.” – Mark 4:24
