Does-Your-Belly-Hurt

Proverbs 18:8

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

After reading this verse, the first thought I had was, “Does your belly hurt?” I know a few who are probably sick with a bellyache do to their many tales. It seems a day never goes by without a long speech telling others all about…”You know who!” The poor person, the one who is listening to all this is also getting a sick feeling in their stomach as well. Talebearers hurt many when they open their book of tongues. Whispers, lies, I told you so, even “pray for this person because”…and they go into details they shouldn’t be sharing. A talebearer hurts himself and others. When someone gossips, it brings judgment upon not only the one they’re talking about, but also themselves. The judgment comes from those they are telling their juicy story to and others who may be listening. God is not pleased with some of the things that come out of our mouths as well. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (James 3:10)

Words can hurt and last for eternity. Ask someone who has had someone talk negative about them, the memory of those words are absorbed into their innermost being. It sometimes flares up when they least expect it, wounding them all over again. In the book of James chapter 3, verses 8 and 9 it says this: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. The next time you’re tempted to hear a juicy story, don’t stay to hear the ending. Walk away, and as you’re walking, tell the talebearer you threw that book away, it made you sick. Hopefully you’ll have a chance to explain to them what you meant by that statement. And next time you’re tempted to spread rumors and become a talebearer concerning someone, remember this verse in James, and keep your tongue from spreading tasteless butter of gossip that ends up rancid as it leaves your mouth.

Dear Heavenly Father, I know there have been times I’ve been a talebearer, spreading gossip like one spreads butter on a slice of bread. Forgive me for using the tongue to hurt someone by talking behind their back, even if it was or was not intentional. Father, only you can tame this vessel by filling my heart and thoughts with your words. Help me to study more, to grow more, and to be more willing to spread your word and not the words of a talebearer. For I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.

March 18, 2009

Revised October 8, 2010