Relationships
«He who goes about as a tablebearer reveals secrets; therefore, do not associate with one who flatters with his lips»(Proverbs 20: 19).
Kent Crockett, theologian and author of devotional books, tells the story of a villager woman who spread a defamatory story about her boss. Soon, the rumors traveled from mouth to mouth and the slander was scattered across the village. Seeing the extent of her actions, the woman felt remorse and went to her boss to confess that she had been the one to spread the rumors and asked for his forgiveness.
The supervisor told her:
«I am willing to forgive you under one condition: Do you see that bag of feathers? Take it to the village tower, climb its highest level and throw the feathers into the air. Come back with the bag and I’ll forgive you for what you have done.»
The woman went to do what she was supposed to do and came back with an empty bag to receive forgiveness.
«Now you have to go and collect the scattered feathers,» her boss told her.
«But this is impossible!» protested the woman.
To which the offended one replied:
«I forgive you, indeed, but I want you to know that the false information you spread around is just as difficult to gather back as the feathers you threw away from the tower.
«Gossip, slander, tattle, hearsay . . . they all have common components: inventing, exaggerating, lying; or misrepresenting the objective truth. It is a delightful activity for many, but only a few are aware of the harm they cause. Why is it a common practice? Gossiping about other people’s faults may give a feeling of superiority, the personal satisfaction of making others seem guilty, while the gossiper considers himself innocent. It is also used as a weapon of revenge; it can be the result of envy—a very common feeling of those who intend to get away with speaking negatively about the person they are jealous of. Finally, some attempt to relieve their frustration by spreading rumors.
The consequences can be very serious and can ruin the victims’ honor and dignity. Sadly enough, gossip is often used against friends, family and close relatives through hypocrisy and treachery.
But worst of all, these activities are filled with immorality. Various biblical verses strongly condemn defamation. For example, «Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy» (Ps. 101:5). Today’s verse offers us additional advice. Not only does it discourage gossip, but it also warns against interacting with the one who «flatters with his lips’ (talks too much» and «gossips» according to other versions).
Don’t spread rumors and avoid the company of those who have the bad habit of gossiping. This is the advice of the inspired word.
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Junior 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores:Ricardo Vela & Emmanuel Tapia
