Read the Book: October - DecemberSample

TAMING THE TONGUE

“The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body”. The Greek word “whisperer” means “a secret slanderer”. Gossip is captivating, and this particular proverb is describing a person who uses their words carelessly with gossip, particularly when it provokes conflict. 

Most of us can admit that we have been tempted to gossip before, have gossiped in the past (whether we’ve realized it at the moment or not), or have been on the receiving end of gossip. The tendency for communicating this way is part of a fallen human nature we all wrestle with, and taming the tongue takes daily help from the Lord. How we speak about others and communicate with each other is something God takes seriously of His children. Just as an earthly father would be angered by someone saying slanderous words about his child, so does our Heavenly Father when we spread hurtful words about His. 

How often do you classify gossip or slander as sin? It’s easy to think that hurtful words could never compare to other obvious evils, like stealing or murder. Nevertheless, our tongues can lead to sin just as harmful as any other. In fact, Colossians 3:8 says, “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”

Thankfully, this passage tells us very clearly what the solution is. “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer quarreling ceases.” When we remove the wood from the fire, it can’t burn anymore, and the conflict ceases. We are called to combat gossip with gracious words that are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Proverbs 16:24). Just as words have the incredible power to tear down, they also have just as much power to build up. 

Who can you build up today? 

FAMILY CONNECTION

Flip the batteries in your remote and see if any of the kids can figure it out. When our lives are not following Jesus, it can be like the batteries in the remote—we will not be glorifying Him! We can go to church and do all the right things, but like the batteries, if they are not turned the right way, we are not doing what God made us to do. When we read God’s word and do what it says, we are living our lives for the God who created us!