Verse of the Day
He who conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends. Proverbs 17:9 NASB
He who conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends. Proverbs 17:9 NASB
When I read this, the obvious was the first to stand out. Real friendship is based on trust. Betrayal of that trust, especially in the realm of secrets shared, can cause tremendous damage.
Because I work in a place where gossip is rampant, another application hit me. In Romans 1, Paul is talking about unbelievers. He puts gossips right in the list along with murderers and God-haters. It can't be more clear how God feels about gossip.
This proverb speaks of the damage of gossip. People gossip for any number of reasons, and not always maliciously. Sometimes they are angry over a past slight. Sometimes they are jealous. Maybe they are just bored with too much time on their hand. Whatever the motive, they decide to indulge in gossip.
Gossip is a tool used to divide and isolate us. God made us to live in community and harmony, with Him and with each other. Gossip doesn't simply force a wedge between me and my brother, it seeks to isolate him from everyone else. Even if not consciously, it is my sinful nature's way of trying to elevate me in "the group" by tearing down someone else. As such, gossip does not need to be a lie. Truth, half truth or utter lie, it is sin.
I may feel a sense of elevation for a time. However, the kinds of groups that trade status with so little regard for people will probably soon grind me up to advance someone else.
Because I work in a place where gossip is rampant, another application hit me. In Romans 1, Paul is talking about unbelievers. He puts gossips right in the list along with murderers and God-haters. It can't be more clear how God feels about gossip.
This proverb speaks of the damage of gossip. People gossip for any number of reasons, and not always maliciously. Sometimes they are angry over a past slight. Sometimes they are jealous. Maybe they are just bored with too much time on their hand. Whatever the motive, they decide to indulge in gossip.
Gossip is a tool used to divide and isolate us. God made us to live in community and harmony, with Him and with each other. Gossip doesn't simply force a wedge between me and my brother, it seeks to isolate him from everyone else. Even if not consciously, it is my sinful nature's way of trying to elevate me in "the group" by tearing down someone else. As such, gossip does not need to be a lie. Truth, half truth or utter lie, it is sin.
I may feel a sense of elevation for a time. However, the kinds of groups that trade status with so little regard for people will probably soon grind me up to advance someone else.
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