Proverbs 18:6–8: A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body.
Insight
“The words of a talebearer” or the words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels that go down into the depth of the soul. We are back again to the subject of the fool. The Lord Jesus has told us that we are not to call anyone a fool. However, God calls some people fools because He knows them. We find again that the fool is a source of trouble. He is the one who is always stirring up contention, issuing complaints, finding fault. We can give another fitting modern proverb: “Be considerate. Most people know how to express a complaint, but few utter a gracious compliment. The bee is seldom complimented for making honey; it is just criticized for stinging.” How true! 1
Application
Notice how destructive the backroom whisperers became to the life and ministry of the apostle Paul. “They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul.” Acts 23:14
God will not be mocked. When someone is mocking God’s servants, they are actually mocking God, and God will defend His servants. Are you always finding fault with His servant or are you providing gracious words that encourage His servant?
Motivation
“An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire.” Proverbs 16:27
Beware: A mocker on earth will eventually become a mocker in hell. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, take Your hot coal and burn my lips if they offend You and Your servants.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20, pp. 156–157).
