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A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. Proverbs 16:28
The word perverse is described as a desire to behave in a way that's unacceptable, even when aware of a negative outcome. No wonder today's verse says that kind of person creates conflict. The word gossip is described as unchecked descriptions of the actions or decisions of other people--typically including unconfirmed details described as fact. That's why gossips put roadblocks between friends.
You probably noticed the connection between creating conflict and keeping friends apart. The negative aspects of acting before thinking, or sharing without considering how it could hurt, creates an absolute trust-buster. Friendship is damaged by a lack of restraint and sharing unconfirmed, hurtful stories.
God helps you to understand what trust in a friendship looks like. Just as unrestrained behavior and gossip separate people, discretion and caring truthfulness keep friends close. Just as trusting God leads to greater closeness to Him, so too does trust between friends.
Prayer: Lord, help me see perverse behavior and gossip for what they are. Help me to notice them in others. Help me to recognize them in myself. And help me to resist these things by speaking carefully and sharing the truth in love. May I care enough about others that they can trust me. Thank You for caring enough about me that I have learned to trust You.
The word perverse is described as a desire to behave in a way that's unacceptable, even when aware of a negative outcome. No wonder today's verse says that kind of person creates conflict. The word gossip is described as unchecked descriptions of the actions or decisions of other people--typically including unconfirmed details described as fact. That's why gossips put roadblocks between friends.
You probably noticed the connection between creating conflict and keeping friends apart. The negative aspects of acting before thinking, or sharing without considering how it could hurt, creates an absolute trust-buster. Friendship is damaged by a lack of restraint and sharing unconfirmed, hurtful stories.
God helps you to understand what trust in a friendship looks like. Just as unrestrained behavior and gossip separate people, discretion and caring truthfulness keep friends close. Just as trusting God leads to greater closeness to Him, so too does trust between friends.
Prayer: Lord, help me see perverse behavior and gossip for what they are. Help me to notice them in others. Help me to recognize them in myself. And help me to resist these things by speaking carefully and sharing the truth in love. May I care enough about others that they can trust me. Thank You for caring enough about me that I have learned to trust You.
