Proverbs 18 - 8.28.26

Scripture: Proverbs 18:8

"“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”

Observation: 

In the dictionary, gossip is described as: idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others.  I think we have all had a person in our life who is a gossiper. Its use tears down people. It negatively affects one's heart and sinks into their soul. As a manager in a secular business, it is hard to stop this behavior in people with hardened hearts. If it occurs in a church, it can split the church.

Its effects can be life-lasting. I can still remember someone said something untrue about me in my youth that was later proven wrong. I can't forget it to this day and I still don't know who started it. I was not the only one who was hurt. I believe youth in schools are most vulnerable to damaging gossip. We need to pray for our youth.  

Application:

How do we avoid gossip? The scriptures teach us:

Ephesian 4:29 - “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Colossians 4:6 - “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Hebrews 10:24  - “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

In the last couple of weeks, Tina has led us in pre-service prayer to spur one another on and to see the good things in people. It fills us with joy to encourage others.

Prayer: 

Holy Spirit, let me be quick to listen and slow to speak, following your word in Psalm 141:3 - “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Let my eyes see the beauty in people. Give me a heart to love people. You showed grace to me, O’ Lord, let me show grace and mercy to others.  Let me encourage others, Lord, for you are a good good Father.  Amen

- Robert Oberg