Tang Wei Ping
Humble Prayer Warrior
Proverbs 20:19: He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. Proverbs 20:19, which warns against associating with gossipers, connects to Jesus Christ because it highlights the importance of truth and integrity, qualities that Jesus embodied and taught. Here's a more detailed explanation: The Core Message: The proverb emphasizes the dangers of gossip and the importance of choosing one's company wisely, as those who reveal secrets are likely to be untrustworthy. Connection to Jesus: Jesus, as the embodiment of truth and wisdom, would not condone such behavior. He taught his followers to speak the truth and to avoid gossip and slander. Examples in the Gospels: Jesus' teachings and actions in the Gospels demonstrate His commitment to honesty and integrity, which are the antithesis of gossiping and slander. Practical Application: By avoiding gossip and slander, we can reflect the character of Jesus in our own lives and build relationships based on trust and honesty. Seeking Wisdom: Proverbs, as a book of wisdom, encourages us to seek God's guidance in all areas of life, including our relationships and interactions with others. Jesus as the Wisdom of God: Some scholars believe that Proverbs points us to Jesus as the ultimate source of wisdom and truth. The Nature of a Talebearer: The verse identifies a "talebearer" or "gossip" as someone who reveals secrets, highlighting the destructive nature of such behavior in ancient Israelite society. Breach of Trust: Revealing secrets is a serious offense, a betrayal of trust that could damage reputations and cause social discord, which was highly valued in the ancient world. Flattery as a Deceptive Tool: The proverb also warns against associating with those who flatter with their lips, suggesting that such individuals are often motivated by ulterior purposes and are likely to be untrustworthy. Importance of Integrity: The verse underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding those who are not trustworthy, emphasizing the value of loyalty and reliability in personal and communal relationships. Avoiding Negative Influence: The proverb advises to avoid those who engage in gossip and flattery, as their presence can lead to negative consequences and damage one's reputation or relationships. Our prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today, acknowledging the power and potential for harm in our words. We pray that You would set a guard over our mouth and keep watch at the door of our lips, as it is written in Psalm 141:3. Help us to speak words that are kind, truthful, and uplifting, words that reflect Your love and grace. May our tongue not be a source of offense or regret, but rather a tool for building up and encouraging others. Fill our heart with wisdom and discernment, so that we may know when to speak and when to remain silent. We ask for Your grace and strength to control our tongue and to use it for Your glory. We ask all these in Jesus' name. Amen.