CASE AGAINST TELLING PEOPLE TO "TAKE CARE"
Telling people to "Take Care" is not a blessing. Instead, it is a curse. We are not supposed to take care. The Bible tells us what to do with our cares.
A True Story
When I was in the third grade, I heard the big boys saying something on the playground. That was many years ago, but I still remember that when I went home, I skipped around the house and sang what I had heard. I also remember to this day that my step-father told me those were bad words and not to say them again.
I didn't know why the words were bad, but I obeyed and never said them again. Years later, I found out that the words were obscene.
My Valuable Lesson
I learned early on that I should not say anything I don't know what it means. That lesson provoked me to become a wordsmith. That has helped me become a better speaker and writer. I learned that words have power, and I can call things forward with the words I speak and write.
That's why I majored in English and Literature in college. That's also why I majored in Biblical Studies in seminary. Therefore, I try not to say anything that is not biblical.
Saying "Take Care" is Not Biblical
People mean well when they tell others to "take care." Family members, friends, co-workers, and others use that expression without a second thought, especially when saying goodbye in person or on the telephone.
I have never told anyone to "take care," but some people have told me that. I don't repeat what they say. Instead, I say, "Bless you" or something similar to counteract the curse they have just placed on me without their knowledge of having done so.
"Take Care" is Not a Blessing
Much too often, people pick up what others say, and then they say it, just like I did when I was a child in the third grade.
Saying "Take care" is not biblical, and it is not a blessing. On the contrary, it is a curse. It is not even logical. Who wants to take on the cares of the world? Who wants to be burdened with cares? Those are rhetorical questions because the answer should be "Nobody!" to both questions.
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
No place in the Bible tells us to "take care." However, a place in the Bible tells us what to do with our cares.
Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, told us exactly what to do. In 1 Peter 5:7, Peter said:
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Telling Someone "Take Care" Sounds Like a Warning
Some people interpret "take care" as a warning. It is the equivalent to saying, "be careful" or "beware" or even "watch out."
It would be wise not to say it to anyone, especially the following groups of people:
your boss
a judge
your enemies
members of the clergy
Be more formal and polite in a formal situation, such as a professional setting or a business context. The relationship between parties and the formality of the situation will determine if the phrase is for well-wishes or a warning.
To use the exact words without the advice seeming to be a warning and a blanket excuse to tiptoe around everything and everyone, a person could say, "Take care of yourself." Then, it will be a way of narrowing down what is meant.
Generally, you shouldn't say it to your boss. It might be seen as a bit flippant or dismissive.
Someone Else Believes "Take Care" Should Not Be Used
I am not the only one who doesn't like to be told, "take care." There are so many other pleasant ways to say farewell.
A person wrote on Reddit:
"I hate hearing people saying, “take care.” It feels mildly threatening, like there is something I should be taking some amount of extra care for. What’s wrong with “have a nice day” or “see you later” or simply “goodbye”? Why “take care”? What are you trying to warn me about? Be specific man, because saying “take care” by itself just tells me to be paranoid and fearful of some unspecified danger that you aren’t telling me any details about."
Others on Reddit disagreed with the person who made the above remarks. I am sure people will disagree with what is written in this article. However, that's their prerogative.
why-we-shouldnt-tell-people-to-take-care
Think twice before saying "take care" to everyone. Some people might receive it as a threat or good wishes. For example, if you have argued with someone on the telephone, telling the person, "Take care," would not be appropriate. The person might receive it as a threat.
The bottom line is that what is said should depend on the context and the relationship between the individuals involved. When in doubt, leave it out!
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