Verse of the Day 2/27

Verse of the Day 2/27

Proverbs 10:18  The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,

    and whoever utters slander is a fool.   English Standard Version (ESV)

As I read today's verse in my daily reading in Proverbs I couldn't help but think of the news media.  Hatred for the opposing party causes reporting to be slanted, biased to the point of lies being reported as truth.  I'm talking about from "both sides of the aisle".  The second part of the verse tells us just what kind of person offers slander with disregard for the consequences, they are fools.

The word slander caught my attention.  Our men's Bible study was in Titus chapter 3 this week and we only looked at verses 1 and 2 which tells us of 6 things that we are to do, or not do in our Christian walk, slander is one of them.

Titus 3:1-2 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Christian Living among Outsiders

3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, ² to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people.

We are reminded to 1) be submissive to authorities without grumbling over everything that we may disagree with, 2)  obey the rules, the laws, yes this includes speeding; 3) slander no one - no back stabbing, putting people down for personal gain; 4) avoid quarreling and fighting;  5) be kind to all, even the opposing party; 6) show gentleness to all people.

If we put these things  into practice what kind of influence would it have on the people around us and in our world?  Instead of getting caught up in the slander, the quarreling and the grumbling; may we be ready, prepared for every good work, and be kind, gentle and helping to those around us.

What a wonderful world it could be.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Proverbs 10:14-19 The Message (MSG)

¹⁴ The wise accumulate knowledge—a true treasure;
    know-it-alls talk too much—a sheer waste.

The Road to Life Is a Disciplined Life

¹⁵ The wealth of the rich is their bastion;
    the poverty of the indigent is their ruin.

¹⁶ The wage of a good person is exuberant life;
    an evil person ends up with nothing but sin.

¹⁷ The road to life is a disciplined life;
    ignore correction and you're lost for good.

¹⁸ Liars secretly hoard hatred;
    fools openly spread slander.

¹⁹ The more talk, the less truth;
    the wise measure their words.