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Proverbs 18 (ESV)
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook…
6 A fool’s lips walk into a fight,
and his mouth invites a beating…
13 If one gives an answer before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.
14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him
and brings him before the great.
17 The one who states his case first seems right,
until the other comes and examines him…
20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
REFLECTION:
These verses remind us that it is difficult to manage our ears and tongue, and we need the wisdom and self-control given by God. Not listening to people’s gossip is sometimes as difficult as not eating food. No matter which one you have tasted, it will make you want to try again. If you are determined not to listen to people’s gossip, you should listen to God’s words more and act according to them, and be self-disciplined like a dieter. If you don’t listen to people’s gossip at first, there will be no second or third time. As James 3 warns us, the tongue is fire. In our bodies, the tongue is a sinful world. It can defile the whole body and light the wheel of life, and it is kindled from hell. While not listening to people’s gossip, we should also subdue our tongues, not expose people’s shortcomings, and not speak slanderous words. Reflect if you are a person who loves to listen to gossip or to spread gossip—or both. Ask God to have mercy so that you can listen to God’s words more and speak more words that glorify God.
PRAYER:
Pray for God to give you wisdom, manage your ears well, and not listen to the slanderous words behind people, nor the short and long gossips; and pray for God to give you the strength of gentleness and restraint to subdue your tongue, no fiddling nor judging but be a wise person who listens more and complains less.
HYMN:
The Power of The Cross: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uS7fc7VTJZs
