March 11, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 11
Click above for full KJV Online

Today's Pathway:previous - - - - - - - - - - - - next
Click above to go directly to TP
Following Scripture Verses

1. A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
2. When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
4. Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
7. When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
8. The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
9. An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
10. When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12. He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14. Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16. A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
17. The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18. The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19. As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20. They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22. As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
23. The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
26. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27. He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
28. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
29. He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
31. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

Today's Pathway:
You may click on verses for Scripture

"A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. " - Proverbs 11:13

Slander and gossip reveal much. Not only do they reveal information about someone else that didn't need to be shared, but they are also revealers of the character of the one spreading the stories. Notice the contrast that Solomon gives here. There are talebearers, and there are those who have a faithful spirit. Talebearers are not faithful to those about whom they gossip, for they are hurting these people deeply. They are not faithful to the Lord, for He does not want this type of behavior to occur. They are not faithful to their church, for they are simply sowing discord there. Their only interest is in themselves and the joy they experience when they can tell someone a juicy tidbit about another person.

It is important to note that the statements being made by the gossip in this passage are apparently true, for they are referred to as "secrets", not "lies". Just because something is true doesn't mean that it must be spread around. If someone has committed sin, it is my obligation to go to him privately to help him repent, not to go to others and tell them what has occurred. Think about this: if I love this person as a brother in Christ, why would I want others to know about the transgression he has made? Once he has repented, why should I want to hang his dirty laundry in front of others? Would I want him to do the same to me? Of course not!

Solomon is not saying that someone's sin should be concealed and swept under the rug. He is saying that no one else needs to know what transpires between myself and another person, nor do others need to be informed about someone's past indiscretions if they have been repented of. If we truly love one another as we should, and are desirous of seeing people reconciled to God, gossip and slander will be put far away from us.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery