Gossip or Flattery...

I heard the best quote yesterday, although I am not sure where it originated so I cannot give credit where credit is due. It's too good not to share, though! Okay, hold onto your hat...here goes...

Gossip is something you say behind someone's back that you would never say to their face. Flattery is something you say to someone's face that you would never say behind their back.

Zing! Isn't it so true! Sadly, that about sums up the major issue women have in 2 sentences! We're either trying to put someone down to make ourselves feel better or we're buttering someone up so we can gain something from the relationship! Not saying it always happens, but our words are enough of a hindrance that He had a lot to say about the matter! Here are just a few of my favourites...

Proverbs 15:26 (MsgB)
God can't stand evil scheming,
but he puts words of grace and beauty on display.

Proverbs 18:7 (MsgB)
Fools are undone by their big mouths;
their souls are crushed by their words.

Proverbs 18:21 (MsgB)
Words kill, words give life;
they're either poison or fruit—you choose.

Proverbs 21:23 (MsgB)
Watch your words and hold your tongue;
you'll save yourself a lot of grief.

Now, I have to admit I have even been guilty of flattery because I was trying to make someone feel better! Someone is feeling down about how they look or what they did and I jump in with encouragement that's not based on much besides my good intentions to pull them from their pit!

At any rate, I am going to remember this quote and ask the Lord to help me speak words of truth in love...or hold my tongue!

Proverbs 25:11 (NASB-U)
Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in right circumstances.