“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” Proverbs 14:1
Reflect
The propensity for us women to gossip is one that has been a trait through generations. For many of us, it is a besetting sin that likes to spring its ugly head. The bible teaches us clearly in many passages and verses that gossip is a destroyer of relationships (Proverbs 16:28) and foolishness is often associated with the act (Proverbs 10:18) Our sinful pride makes us feel good when we talk ill about others, in a feeble attempt to elevate ourselves so we can look down at that. The very notation is a contradiction to the humility we are called to exhibit as born again believers (Philippians 2:1-4).
We, as a church, are a built up in Christ Who is our Chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22). When we speak wrongly one one another, or exaggerate details that leave others wounded or broken, we are literally attempting to tear down the church. Wisdom comes in building up on another and speaking truth in love, so that we may grow not only as into maturity, but also that the world can see our love for one another, and the Gospel is seen in its application as we proclaim. It won’t be in vain (Ephesians 4:15)
Are you being a wise or foolish woman when it comes to slander and gossip (James 3:9)? Is your tongue unbridled and wild like a fire, and sorching the ties between you and others, or by God’s grace, are you working to build up the church as a fellow worker in Christ? Choose your words. Measure the weight of love or evil they will cause you and others once they are spoken. Seek to do good to one another, and proclaim love – the greatest love of all through the Gospel. Christ loved us first. Let us love each other well.
Pray
God, the greatest display of humility and love was found in Your Son. Before we became Your children, we were Your enemy, and Christ humbled Himself to love those that spoke rashly against Him and hated Him. Help us to be loving in our speech and actions, not only to our spiritual siblings, but to the world. And may You be glorified. In Christ’s name, amen.
Your Turn
Are gossip and slander a besetting sin for you or others? Here are some encouraging verses that will aid you in the fight against unloving speech. Let’s strive to use the Word of God as a weapon to fight the sinful nature that wants to destroy.
You can also read: 20 Bible Verses to Help You Overcome Gossiping
