Prov 11:13 – A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

We should always speak the truth (Eph 4:25), but does that mean we should speak every truth? Gossiping lips are not limited to a lying tongue. Gossip can also be when a truth that should be left unsaid is shared with others.

This sharing of “inside info” is a prideful action, isn’t it? Sort of an “Wouldn’t you like to know what I know” type of position.

Gossip leaks. Prudence protects.

One of the best resources and studies on this topic is Resisting Gossip by Matt Mitchell. A great individual read or group study.

In some ways, it seems as if we are living in an era where mischief and lies leading to another person’s fall or failure is like a sport. We laugh at videos of falls and failures and share them like LOLcats.

Slander and falsehoods are the tools of this trade, and social media has become the soap box on which to stand up and throw down.

Prov 10:23 To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.

Even during such stormy times, we can be comforted with Prov 10:29-30, not by our own strength, but by the Lord’s strength.

If you encounter the sport of wrongdoing, don’t compete. In some ways, it’s better to just walk away.

There are some conversations that are simply unprofitable for anyone. The longer it goes on, the worse it gets. I’ve had my share of those.

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. – Prov 9:6

There are times to engage, and times to disengage. There are people that will be worth the effort, and others that it will be better to walk away. And some people, who are normally worth the effort, have foolish moments.

The Holy Spirit will guide you in appropriate times, especially if you are investing time in study and prayer. Incline your ear to God.

Keep in mind Prov 9:6-10 during conversations that continue to go south. Sometimes, it’s best just to walk away.

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. – Prov 8:17

Do we seek God early? What is early for some, might not be so early for others. Is the “early” in Prov 8:17 limited to a time of day? Or a time in life?

If we consider Matt 6:33, and “seek ye first, the Kingdom of God”, then perhaps “early” can be in a situation. At the beginning of the day, the beginning stages of a project, or the first leg of a trip … seek first, God and His will.

Approach a matter in prayer at the early going (Php 4:6), and the going is sure to be greater.

Lust. Physical, but not always sexual. For that which we don’t have – and probably shouldn’t want. It grabs at our attention and lures us away from God.

From Prov 7:4-5

“Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.”

“But wait a minute there. How can a car flatter me with words?” Can bling sing? Good question. Is ‘Wow’ a word?

The false attraction of what is strange to us, things not ours to hold, can be tempting, but guard your heart (Prov 4:23) with wisdom and truth.