tasty morsels

The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.  

~Proverbs 18:8

Reading the book of Proverbs sometimes feels like you’re in the boxing ring being pummeled with truth punches—left hook of warning, right uppercut of counsel, left cross caution. Oh, those stings of conviction. From verse to verse, the order can seem somewhat random—but every line has pointed purpose for us to grow in wisdom and fear of the Lord.

So, as I was cozied up in the middle of this wisdom book, a matter was repeated in a few chapters that got me thinking a bit more about the power of our tongue (a topic the Lord has seemingly been spotlighting for me lately). This time, it’s about gossip. Now, men don’t generally have an issue with this particular sin—and yes, it’s a sin. In fact, it’s among those “seven things the Lord hates” (Proverbs 6:16-19)! The Old and New Testaments are filled with warnings against gossip—whether it’s “true” or slanderous.

Why do we (especially women) love the taste of sharing some shared-with-us information, secret, or rumor? Is it tasty to be in the know and wanting others to know you’re in the know? Are we, in some deep-need way, trying to prove our value to another person? Or, in our sinful judgment of another person, do we whisper to a friend in the vein of “aren’t you glad we’re not like that person?”—smacking of the Pharisees’ prayer in Luke 18. The fact is, there are many reasons why we lean in to share a tasty morsel…or hear one.

But here in Proverbs 16, 17, and 26, there’s another aspect of gossiping that needs to be underscored: the results. 

• A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28).

• One who conceals an offense seeks love, but one who repeats a matter separates close friends (Proverbs 17:9).

• For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body (Proverbs 26:20-22).

Sweet friend, gossip never encourages. It may feel sweet in the moment of sharing or hearing, but its purpose is only either futile or harmful. I’ve seen relationships broken, wedges put between brothers and sisters in Christ, and, yes, even close friends separated. Spreading “did you hear” speculations only adds charcoal fluid to hot coals, fueling quarreling and strife. The Biblical (and experiential) warnings are so true. So, what’s a girl (or guy) to do with those tasty morsels? Well, the Bible’s pretty clear on this as well.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).

Be an encourager, building others up and extending grace. In this, we shine light into the lives of family, friends, and neighbors, reflecting the love of Christ and pointing to Him. Dive into what Scripture has to say about using our words to build others up—I promise you, the taste is much sweeter for all.

Lord, put a guard on my mouth for speaking words that are hurtful, hateful, and simply unnecessary. May I always speak the truth in love, seasoned with grace—reflecting You, pointing to You, and glorifying You.