Today’s reading: Proverbs 6:16-19
1 Timothy 5:1-16

Woven in throughout Paul’s instruction to the church on taking care of members, we find some valuable nuggets for personal instruction too. One of those nuggets, some stern words about gossip, is found in verse 13. Paul only briefly mentions it, but the few words he does write about it speaks volumes.

Nothing good comes from gossiping. Some of the biggest hurts I’ve experienced have been because of gossip–words directed at me or about me from others. And, yes, even my own words about someone else foolishly and sinfully spoken. :( Growing up my mom used to tell me, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, then don’t say it at all.” I didn’t really realize it at the time, but what wise advice.

When are you most tempted to gossip? What are some safeguards or protections you can put in place to help you not speak words of gossip? What about those situations where someone else initiates gossip? How might you respond then? Tami

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Source: Tami’s Blog