Scripture: Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV)
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
We find a profound revelation about the things that the Lord abhors. Among these, we discover a warning against a heart that sows discord among brethren. It is a stark reminder that the words we speak, particularly in the form of gossip, can be as damaging as shedding innocent blood.
Gossip, like a venomous serpent, can silently slither into our conversations, poisoning the hearts and minds of those who listen. As followers of Christ, we are called to be vigilant guardians of our tongues, recognizing the gravity of our words. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
When we engage in gossip, we risk being the instrument through which innocent blood is metaphorically shed. The reputation, character, and well-being of others can be harmed irreparably by the words we choose to speak. In God’s eyes, sowing discord is an abomination, and He requires us to be accountable for the impact of our words.
As believers, let us heed the warning from Proverbs and strive to cultivate hearts that seek peace, understanding, and unity. James 3:6 warns, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”
May our tongues be instruments of love, encouragement, and truth, rather than tools of destruction. Let us remember that God will require an account of every idle word spoken (Matthew 12:36). Therefore, let us choose our words wisely, speaking life and building up one another in the love of Christ.
