Parenting by the Book
STUDY 312
Text: Proverbs 26
Dear Parents,
THE DEADLINESS OF TALE-BEARING
Tale-bearing in any form is a sin to be avoided! Modern day “gossip” is the equivalent of the ancient word “tale-bearing”. Let us look at the following text.
Where there is no wood the fire goes out;
And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.Proverbs 26:20-22
1. The heart of a talebearer
He is described as a “contentious man”. It is because of this contentious spirit that makes him a talebearer!
2. The “skill” of a talebearer
He is good at telling tales. He is compared to a chef who churns up “tasty trifles”. What he speaks is well-received. He is able to convince people with his stories.
3. Consequences of tale-bearing
a) He kindles strife.
b) He adds fuel to a fire, this always making things worse.
4. The absence of a talebearer
The difference is striking! “The fire goes out” in the absence of a talebearer!
CONCURRENCE FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT
The Book of James gives a similar word of warning. The focus in the following text is the deadly tongue.
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.
The tongue is so set among our members
that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire
the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell…
But no man can tame the tongue.
It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.James 3:6, 8
We would do well to teach our children to guard their heart and tongue.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie