The theme for Dr. David Jeremiah daily devotional for today September 21 2023 is ”Put Out the Fire” and it is a message highly recommended for today’s spiritual growth and upliftment.
SCRIPTURE: Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.-1 Corinthians 13:6
“Gossip” goes back to the Old English godsibb—a godfather, godmother, or baptismal sponsor. It evolved to refer to anyone who was a close friend, associate, or relative—that is, a person with whom one talks about intimate matters. The idea of “gossip” gradually became that of “idle talk”—the words themselves or the person who speaks them.
Proverbs has much to say about idle talk and those who engage in it. Sin is potential in a multitude of words; the one who restrains his speech is wise (Proverbs 10:19). A gossip’s words are like delectable sweets, going down deep in a person (Proverbs 18:8). The best way to put out a fire is to remove the wood; the best way to stop strife is to remove the gossip (Proverbs 26:20). In a neutral sense, gossip is just words between people—positive or negative words. But biblically, gossip is always viewed in a negative light. Gossip is kept alive by spreading rumors and recounting unsavory news that should remain private. Gossip is the opposite of “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
Love does not delight in spreading rumors of dark deeds. Love participates only in what edifies and honors others.
Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.
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