Bill Fitzhenry's Thoughts For Today…

Understanding important truths from the Bible….

Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your prayers in my behalf during my shoulder replacement surgery and recovery. I praise God for the quick healing and absence of pain he has given me, plus the relief in my hands. As you might think, I’m looking forward to being back in the routine of my life. I’m happy to be supplying the pulpit once again this coming Sunday. If you’re in this area and do not have a place to worship, I invite you to this service at Mesquite Hill Baptist Church, Madisonville.

Proverbs 20:19 NKJV

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets;
Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.

The Scriptures without fail point out the importance of the words one speaks. It is an overwhelming thought to a sensible person that they are responsible before God for every word they speak. Added to this is the good or ill done to your fiends and associates by your words. The question arises, is there such a thing as an idle word.

The wise man in this proverb teaches three important truths:

1. The talebearer (NKJV) or slanderer (ESV) is not trustworthy. As he brings his knowledge of others that should remain private so he will take away from the one to whom he speaks the private correspondence they may have. Do not mistake this. This is a certainty. Anyone who reveals secrets will not discriminate.

How this should search the hearts of each of us. Well does James say “If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man”. James 3:2. How few there are who are so faithful that they have not, if not often at least occasionally, been talebearers.

2. Every believer is responsible to police their correspondence. “How can two walk together except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3 You are known by your friends. The words “do not” in this admonition bear emphasis. If you fail to heed and do associate with the disallowed person, expect to experience the results of talebearing and evil from this fellowship. It is not easy to refuse to listen to the slanderer or tale-bearer. The means of success is given in this statement. “Do not associate with one” is the provision for success. Just as you cannot accompany a murderer in his evil deed without being guilty so you cannot “associate with” a gossipy slanderer without guilt.

3. The “simple babbler” (ESV 20:19B) is the same one as the slanderer in 20:19A. This additional description informs of the emptiness or worthlessness of the information the “babbler” brings. He does not build up his hearer but he does tear down the subject of his correspondence. Babbling throughout the Scripture indicates an emptiness of content and uselessness of conversation. It falls under the structure of I Corinthians 13:1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. It is only capable of disturbing, never of encouraging because there is no love in talebearing.

God help us all.