Only the Good
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
- Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
I know that spreading rumors with the intention of harming someone is wrong. But it occurred to me later that there is a form of speech as insidious as untruth: speaking of another’s faults to a third person — even though the faults may be real. We are prone to tell others about the wrong someone has done or about a particular weakness someone struggles with. Even though no lies are told, such talk can cause prejudice or suspicion. Relationships can be negatively affected.
My first reaction was: I will tell my colleagues about this! But doing so would have harmed the reputation of the person he was calling me about.
Then I remembered the verse that I had read that morning and by the grace of God, I said nothing. Now I make it a practice to ask the Lord to watch over the door of my lips. (See Ps. 141:3.)
Prayer
Dear God, give us the strength to speak only good about others. We pray with the psalmist, “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord” (Ps. 141:3). Amen.
Prayer focus Someone I have hurt with my words
