The Telephone Game — Gossip vs. Gospel - Tuesday
Today’s Verse
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)
“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”
When I remember hearing this phrase for the first time, it came with a warning: This isn’t true. Bones heal, hearts ache.
Have you ever said something and instantly regretted it? We can’t reverse time or pluck our words out of the air once they are spoken. Instead, we could ask for forgiveness, try to cover it up, or ignore that we ever said it at all (though I certainly don’t recommend the latter options). Isn’t it better all around if we focused on using our words for things we won’t regret? To spend our words on things that bring life, truth, and beauty rather than death, deceit, or destruction? Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Scripture acknowledges this dichotomy, warning us that our words matter and have an impact on those around us (so spend them wisely).
As sinful humans, we all make mistakes, but the Holy Spirit offers wisdom and discernment. If the tongue has the power of life and death as Proverbs tells us, our words are something we can choose to steward—another opportunity to honor God, just as we strive to honor Him through the ways we steward our time and money. Yesterday, we talked about the best news we’ll ever receive: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you missed it, catch up here!
REFLECTION
Are there any comments that live rent-free in your mind? Maybe it’s criticism from a stranger, an off-handed comment that stuck like glue, or a harsh word from a loved one. Pick a specific example, then, turn to Scripture and pray that the Lord would reveal the truth to you. I’d encourage you to memorize that truth. Let’s make an effort to replace harmful chatter with God’s Word—after all, it is His words that matter the most.
