Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

November 28
Saturday


DELIVERING
HE DIRT

READ:
Proverbs 26:20-28
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Where there is no
wood, the fire goes out;
and where there is no
talebearer, strife ceases.
__Proverbs 26:20
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Christian industrialist and inventor R. G. LeTourneau is known for his enormous earth-moving machines. One of his products was known simply by the name, "Model G." A prospective buyer, hoping to stump a salesman, asked, "What does the 'G' stand for?"

"I guess the G stands for gossip," was the salesman's quick reply. "Because, like gossip, this machine moves a lot of dirt, and moves it fast!"

The Proverbs have a lot to say about gossip: Those who gossip are untrustworthy (11:13) and should be avoided (20:19). Gossip separates the closest of friends (16:28) and keeps relational strife boiling (18:8). It pours fuel on the coals of conflict, feeding the flames of hurt and misunderstanding (26:21-22).

The Hebrew word for "gossip" or talebearing" actually means "whispering that is damaging." We fool ourselves into thinking that those juicy, whispered comments here and there are harmless. But gossip leaves behind a wide swath of destruction and is never a victimless crime. Someone is always hurt. So here's a word to the wise: "Where there is no talebearer, strife ceases" (Prov. 26:20). Let's leave the dirt-moving to big machines. Put the shovels away and revel in the joy of gossip-free relationships! __Joe Stowell
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```````````````````````Many things that others say```````````````
``````````````````````````Are not for us to tell;`````````````````
````````````````````Help us, Lord, to watch our tongue--```````````
`````````````````~~We need to guard it well. __Branon````````````
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Destroy gossip by ignoring it.

***************Today's Bible Reading __ Proverbs 26:20-28********

20 Where there is no wood,
the fire goes out; and where
there is no talebearer, strife
ceases.

21 As charcoal is to
burning coals, and wood to
fire, so is a contentious man
to kindle strife.

22 The words of a
talebearer are like tasty
trifles, and they go down
into the inmost body.

23 Fervent lips with a
wicked heart are like
earthenware covered with
silver dross.

24 He who hates, disguises
it with his lips, and lays up
deceit within himself;

25 When he speaks kindly,
do not believe him, for
there are seven
abominations in his heart;

26 Though his hatred is
covered by deceit, his
wickedness will be revealed
before the assembly.

27 Whoever digs a pit will
fall into it, and he who rolls
a stone will have it roll
back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates
those who are crushed by it,
and a flattering mouth
works ruin.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

The Bible has many strong warnings for the liar, including verse
22 of this passage. Some gossiping is lying, which breaks the ninth
commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your
neighbor" (Ex. 20:16). Of the seven detestable sins that God hates
(Prov. 6:16-19), three of them (a lying tongue, a false witness, one
who sows discord) are associated with the misuse and abuse of
words. Liars are specifically identified in Revelation 21:8 among the
unrepentant sinners who are thrown into the fiery lake of burning
brimstone. __SIM KAY TEE