Proverbs 17:9, “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”

This verse speaks clearly of two choices that one can make through the course of life. One is to act in love and not publicize the transgression of another. It seems today that the majority of what is said doesn't edify anyone but it simply tears down. This is because people love to repeat something they hear or know and they want to "get someone’s opinion" about the transgression. So, things are repeated to the hurt and detriment of others.

It takes discipline and determination to control your tongue. It can be a great tool to edify and build God's Kingdom or it can be like a wildfire destroying everything in its path. James 3:10, states, "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be." Earlier in the same chapter, James 3:2 says, "For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able to bridle the whole body."

I pray we will take the high road in life and rather than being a repeating machine, we will follow the principle found in Proverbs 17:9.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

Meditations

1. When did you last repeat something to expose something negative about another person? What was your motivation in doing so?

2. Love looks beyond a transgression and seeks to restore. When is the last time you sought to help someone navigate biblically through a transgression? What was the outcome?

3. According to James 3:10, what should consistently come out of our mouths? How are you doing with your tongue?