Today’s Bible Passages to Explore: Proverbs 11:13 & Proverbs 20:19
Gossip means talking about another person when that person is not in the room. As Christians, we need to be careful that the things we say/sign about other people are
helpful, kind, and true.
One way we can avoid gossip is to avoid people who gossip. In Proverbs 11:13 Solomon gave us this advice: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” Then in Proverbs 20:19 Solomon repeated this warning saying, “You cannot trust someone who would talk about things told in private. So don't be friends with someone who talks too much.”
Another way to avoid gossip is to think before we speak. Our thoughts become our words. Paul made a list in Philippians 4:8 that helps us know the kinds of thoughts we should think. Paul said to, "continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think
about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected."
A third way we can avoid gossip is to choose our words/signs we carefully. We should never say/sign anything about a person who is not in the room that we wouldn’t choose to say directly to that person.
I hope you will be careful about the things you think and the words/signs you use. I hope you will to choose to only speak/sign good, helpful, kind, and truthful words. Why? Those kinds of words are pleasing to God.
Let’s make Psalm 19:14 our prayer today: Heavenly Father, “May my words and thoughts please you. Lord, you are my Rock—the one who rescues me” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Now, I encourage you to click the logo, download the Inductive Study Guide, and do some more exploration of Proverbs 11:13 and 20;19 on your own.