Proverbs 26:20-27

So something that really causes some problems, especially in these parts: GOSSIP

And I really don't think people realize the true destruction our own tongues can cause, although the Bible makes it VERY clear! I was reading through some Proverbs and stumbled across these verses, and thought I'd share my thoughts on them:

"(20) Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: So where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. (21) As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife."

Talebearer? Someone who bears tales, or stories. Tales, or stories can be true but they are most likely known as fiction. Merriam-Webster defines the word as "a : a usually imaginative narrative of an event : story b : an intentionally untrue report : falsehood "

I wonder why the Bible uses the term "tale"? Probably because God knows that most gossip has its own twist to the story, misrepresenting the truth. Lies that cause strife. Who wants to be known as contentious? Not me. Someone known to have the tendency to cause quarrels and disputes. These characteristics do not exude the peace and love of Christ. So stop kindling the fire with your words of contension.

"(22) The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (23) Burning lips and wicked hearts are like a potsherd covered with silver dross."

Words cuts deep. We all know that, based on the hurt other's words have caused us in the past. This verse talks about a pain that goes into the innermost parts of your being. That is deep pain, caused by you. What kind of hate does it take to cause another such pain? "(24) He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth upon deciet within him; (25) When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven aboninations in his heart." Verse 24 illustrates the destruction our words can have. Even if you think you're helping, it is not if it tears that person down.

What are the seven abominations you ask? Check out Proverbs 6:12-19, now that's some adjectives I would not want to come to mind when a person thinks of me. They do not act as a light for God, as far as I'm concerned.

There's not hiding from it once you've spoken. In other words you can't take it back. It will alter the opinion others have of you instantly. Just tiny little words spoken out of our tiny little mouths. Like tiny daggers, they still cut deep. "(26) Whose hatred is covered by deciet, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. (27) Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone it will return upon him."

The Bible says it loud and clear, what yous ay will come back and bite you in the rear end. It causes others pain, and will soon cause yourself pain.