November 26, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 26
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Following Scripture Verses

1. As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
2. As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
3. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
4. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
5. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
6. He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
7. The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
9. As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10. The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
11. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
12. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
13. The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14. As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
15. The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
16. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
17. He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18. As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
19. So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
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.
22. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
24. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
25. When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, 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.
28. A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Today's Pathway:
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"The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." - Proverbs 26:22

Solomon spends much time in the book of Proverbs discussing the various aspects of speech. In today's verse he reminds us that our words can have a very damaging impact on others. He writes about a talebearer. This man is one who is a gossip. He runs from one person to another to tell them all the dirt that he has dug up on someone else. Perhaps he pretends that he is doing it out of great concern for the unfortunate victim. Perhaps he shares his information in order to make himself look important or to get a laugh. Regardless of his motivation, he needs to realize how hurtful his actions are.

Solomon states that the talebearer's words are wounds. They are not simply superficial scratches, but they cause great harm. In fact, since they are pictured as going down into the innermost part of the stomach, they may even be fatal. If nothing else they cause great pain, and may require a lengthy time for recovery.

Gossips often fail to understand the severity of their actions. They, obviously, are not bothered by their speech, and normally those listening to them are not bothered either, so they assume that no one is being hurt. However, most gossip normally finds its way back to the victim. Words are sometimes overheard, and often those receiving the slander are quick to run back to tell the person, "Do you know what so and so said about you?" No matter how the gossip is revealed, it still hurts.

Gossip is not a victimless crime. Those impacted by it are hurt deeply. Be careful about what you say.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery