Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. –Proverbs 26:20 KJV
Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. — Proverbs 26:20 NIV
Reflection
The Bible is filled with numerous examples like these that both caution against using careless and divisive language and encourage the use of words that are healing and wholesome. James admonishes his readers by saying, “My brethren, these things ought not to be so,” and he issues a warning that “Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing.”
How tragic it is when the life of a Christian is tainted by improper speech, and the testimony of a godly person is tainted by backbiting and talebearing, hush-hushing or slander, grumbling or false accusations… all of which give rise to discord among brothers… contention, brawling, dissension, dispute, and argument.
May we take to heart the prayer of Solomon’s father, who prayed to the Lord, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Oh Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.”
My Prayer
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the wise words in the book of Proverbs. Help me remember how much damage and destruction careless speech and foolish words can cause. Keep me from telling stories or talking about other people. Help me remember this simple truth: a fire will go out without wood, and a fight will end without gossip. I pray that you will clean up my heart and my words, and that the things I say and think will please you. In Jesus mighty name. Amen.