Wisdom’s Journey: Proverbs 25:23

Terri GillespieWisdom’s Journey Through Proverbs

Watch out for those backbiters!

TODAY’S PROVERB: A north wind brings rain,
and a backbiting tongue angry faces. Proverbs 25:23, TLV

What is a backbiter: it is someone who says mean or spiteful things about a person (such as someone who is not present). What a backbiter does is create a storm of hurt and division.

How do you tell if someone is a backbiter? They will:

  • violate a confidence.
  • intentionally hurt someone’s feelings — many times feeling justified in doing so.
  • manipulate facts to their own benefit and to control a situation.
  • seek information to use against someone.

Is it any wonder backbiting creates anger? And, really, we should get angry.

There may be backbiters in your congregation, Bible study, family, job, and friends. They may not be backbiting us, but if you find this person does one or more of the above, be very cautious around them. Do not reveal sensitive information to them. Protect those they try to harm.

When a backbiter wields the weapon of words, it can cause as much damage in the heart and soul of someone, as a weapon does to the body. It causes division in the Body of Messiah.

“Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep your eye on those who are causing divisions and stumbling blocks, contrary to the teaching that you learned. Turn away from them.”

PAUL, ROMANS 16:17, TLV

All of these warnings may seem harsh, but knowing what we know about how our Heavenly Father feels about causing division, we must treat this seriously. Right?

May we be cautious of backbiters, my friends.

Proverbs 25:23 Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible#tlvproverbs