Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. Proverbs 26:20
Building a campfire and sitting around it to roast marshmallows is a favorite relaxing thing for many to do. Once one is able to accomplish getting the fire going, it only takes continually adding a little wood to keep it going for a long period of time, even indefinitely. The moment a person decides to let the fire die out, all one has to do is stop adding the wood to fuel it and soon what wood there is will burn out.
Solomon points out that wherever there is no wood, the fire will burn out. It the same where there is no talebearer or gossip, strife will stop.
Gossip is something that can be found every place a person goes, whether in the workplace, a store, the home, or even the church. The news is constantly filled with gossip, talking about the private lives of the rich and famous. People love to talk about other people’s problems or faults.
Often when this occurs things are taken out of context and are false tales. Truth gets mixed with lies and people get hurt. Strife between, even the best of friends, rises causing many problems and continues to grow as long as there is one who continues to talk.
The best way to stop a talebearer or a gossip is to stop feeding the gossip by stopping the talking about whatever is being said. It begins with only speaking the truth that needs to be heard and only to those who need to hear it.
God does not go around and broadcast the private faults of a believer but deals directly with the believer. In the same way, believers must stop feeding the gossip line and go directly to those in the situation being talked about, allowing the fire to go out.
You will hear of stories of other people that do not need to be passed on. Someone is feeding a fire and causing strife. The temptation to feed that fire and pass the tale on will be great. Turn to God and give the situation to God instead of feeding the fire. Do not allow a tale to bring about strife between you and friends or those around you. Put it out and point people to God.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that God will open your eyes to gossip, and tales being said around you; that God will give you strength to stop a tale from spreading; and that your words will build people up in Christ Jesus, rather than tear them down.
Picture by Saxon White on Unsplash
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