“The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body” (Proverbs 18:8, English Standard Version).

Everyone probably has a favorite food—that special something we allow ourselves as a treat. I have two: chocolate and ice cream. Combine them together and yum! Tasty! At that moment, calories don’t matter. That smooth, silky taste in my mouth is irresistible. The consequences—stepping on the scale and watching the numbers climb higher—come later.

Have you ever thought about hearing gossip being the same as eating your favorite delicacy? Ummm . . . so delicious. Sometimes (often?) we seem to enjoy hearing those delicious morsels, usually delivered in a whispered voice. It’s especially delicious if it hasn’t become widely known. A secret. Yum. No, we would never admit we enjoy gossip, but isn’t that what Proverbs 18:8 is saying?

When someone comes to you with a juicy tale, ask yourself a few questions:

  • What is their motive in telling me this?
  • How many people will this gossip harm?
  • How do I know if it’s true, a mixture of fact and fiction, or just plain false?
  • Would the gossiper be willing to go directly to that person to check the facts?
  • Has this person also gossiped about me?

I love one translation of Proverbs 20:19. The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth (Christian Standard Bible). Now that’s some very plain advice!

If we want to chew on a delicious morsel, how about something like this?

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8, ESV).

Prayer: Lord, help me to guard my tongue each day so I do not cause harm to others by the words I speak. Let my words be positive so I can build up and not tear down another’s reputation. Instead of repeating anything negative I hear, help me to instead make it a matter of prayer. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, Lord (Psalm 19:14).

Author

Mary enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with old friends. Although directionally challenged, she would rather take the back roads with their discoveries than the boredom of the interstate.

2 Comments

  1. safira justin

    Hello I am Safira from Sabah, Malaysia. I am so excited that i be able to have u website. I am from one of the Pentecostal church in Sabah. Would like to reccomend some of teaching that involves emotion. Do have some of it? I really need that right now. Thank you sisters and Lord peace and joy be with u all the time.

    • Hi Safira,

      Thank you for your kind message! We are so happy you have found strength and encouragement from God’s Word at moretolifetoday.com. You will find detailed Bible studies on subjects relating to emotions on our archive page at https://www.moretolifetoday.net/bible-study-archives/. Also, you may search our entire website using the search option on the main menu. Just click on the magnifying glass icon on the right side of the menu and type your search word for a complete list of devotions, articles and Bible studies relating to the search word.

      If we can assist you further, don’t hesitate to contact us.

      God’s blessings,

      Julie