The Words Of A Talebearer

 June 30

"A fool's mouth is his destruction,
and his lips are the snare of his soul.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds,
and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."
Proverbs 18:7-8

Hurtful words truly do go down into the innermost soul, and they can be painfully remembered for a lifetime. Hurtful words cause bitterness which can defile a person for the rest of his life.

"...lest any root of bitterness springing up
cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;"
Hebrews 12:15

When it says "by this many become defiled" it's referring to the fact that bitterness doesn't only harm the bitter person's soul, it also causes him to speak from bitterness, spreading it to all who hear and thereby defiling the hearers as well.

Be careful not to speak gossip or bitterness. Put a censor at your lips. Remember that gossip and bitter words can have life-long effects in those who hear you. DON'T INDULGE the desire to speak when what you're going to say can be harmful. You can not only defile your own heart, but also the hearts of those who hear you, sometimes for the rest of their lives. Train yourself to be silent until the desire to speak against someone passes.

Go to people you may have hurt in this way, ask forgiveness and try to make amends. It can be healing to them.

We can't change the past, but we can change the future.