Only in Indiana!! I woke up to these huge snowflakes falling and snow covering the cars, walks and roads. So I’m a bit behind. I’ve already had a schedule change. That being said, here is my devotion for today:
“Let me tell you what I heard.”
And so it begins. And the one of whom we are speaking will be fortunate if we don’t embellish, slander, pour it on so thick that we might as well be pouring molasses over them.
We read often in the Scripture of what is called in some translations “a bad report.” Joseph brought a “bad report” to his father about his brothers (and we know how that ended). Ten of the 12 spies brought a “bad report,” effectively negating the good report of Joshua and Caleb. Pr. 10:18 says, “…slandering others makes you a fool.” I understand the Hebrew word for “bad report” and “slander” is the same word for “gossip” and in Pr. 31:13 “conspire.” (NLT)
The smearing of reputations is not limited, sadly, only to those who live in a competitive, cutthroat business world. One could only wish that dark side of relationships never touched the lips of the follower of Jesus, or the side he proclaims to be on. But we know better. We have all seen the devastation that dragging through the mud and telling lies and half-truths has brought. It’s ugly. And Satanic. He has been a liar from the beginning and he hasn’t slowed down or shown any mercy. His goal is to gather more adherents. Use the word “disciples” if you prefer. But really, if he can destroy one life-and multiply that as time goes on-he can score big victories.
We can do tremendous good or unspeakable harm with our speech. I’d like to suggest that two verses from Psalms be something we say daily: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (19:14) The second: “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in wickedness. Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong.” (141:3-4) (Both Scriptures from the NLT)
Ready to give it a try?
Psalm 19:14 was the inspiration for my blog’s title, Meditations of my Heart, Bill! Yes, gossip and “bad reports” can do unspeakable damage to others’ reputation and standing. Long ago, I took this adage to heart: If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.
Great advice!
Blessings!
I did not know that about your blog title, Martha. That is cool! And it is good advice.
I have often prayed Psalm 19:14, especially in trying circumstances. I especially love how the NLT worded Psalm 141:3-4. Sometimes we “drift” toward evil, only subconsciously aware it’s a slippery slope. And sharing in the “delicacies” of wrongdoing can be flavored in such a way that we are hardly aware of what we have gotten ourselves into!
You picked up on the word pictures well in those verses Pam. I missed them, but you applied them well. “Drift” and “delicacies” get us into trouble every time.
Words come out so quickly… The best advice I think I have given and give to myself… Just slow down and give thought to what I am preparing to say and how it might impact the person that hears it. Sometimes correction is needed, but if the majority of the time you are not building up and encouraging with your words, then you probably need to check yourself. The Psalms you shared definitely guide us in that direction.
That’s the problem Ryan. They do come out so quickly. We do need to slow down and gain control of our emotions before speaking.
I did not expect snow this morning either Bill. I love the idea of adding those scriptures to my daily prayers. As John 15:5 says we need to abide in Christ at all times, however I still have not been completely successful at keeping all my thought captive with Christ. Therefore I cannot in my own strength watch my thoughts and mouth like I think I can do, on my own. I need the constant reminder of these scriptures to bring me to repentance, and hopefully dispel all of those thoughts before they can take any roots of their own within me. I need the power of Christ to work within me to dispel all of those unwanted and wicked thoughts before any damage can be done.
I don’t think we were the only ones surprised Gail. School was delayed 2 hours. But the Psalms being added to your prayers is a marvelous idea.