“Dead men tell no tales,” was a saying about how to stop people from telling or “snitching” on bad guys. The point was, if they were dead, “rubbed out,” they could not tell. I want to use the saying in a positive way to motivate us to use our time and opportunity to talk to folks, because after we are dead, “dead men tell no tales.”
“Dead men tell no tales” of their love and appreciation for others. In Luke 16:19-31, the rich man and the beggar Lazarus both died. The rich man understood he could not return to the land of the living to warn his brothers and Lazarus was not allowed to. What we learn from this passage is after we die we will not be able to return either. Therefore, since life is uncertain (Eccl.3:2; 9:5,12), we must use every opportunity to express our love and concern to those we hold dear. After we die, we will not be able to, because “dead men tell no tales.”
“Dead men tell no tales” in the instruction of right and wrong. The rich man wanted Lazarus to return to the land of the living to warn his brothers. In other words, tell them what they should and should not do so they would not end up like him (Lk.16:27-28). Every parent also bears this responsibility that they teach by way of example and by an instructive word, the way a child should go (Deut.6:6-9; Pr.22:6; Eph.6:4). It will guide them even after their folks are gone. But the instruction must take place while they live, because after they die, “dead men tell no tales.”
“Dead men tell no tales” of evangelism. The rich man was told what his brothers needed which was the word of God (Lk.16:29-31). Only the word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ, can save the eternal soul (Rom.1:16; 2 Tim.1:9-10). However, after the rich man understood what his brothers needed, it was too late for him to share it, because “dead men tell no tales.” But it is not too late for us. Stay cognizant of the blessing and responsibility of evangelizing which is something we cannot do after we die, because “dead men tell no tales.” So, let’s take full advantage now
