Are there times when we have spoken words that caused division or hurt? How can we seek forgiveness and healing?

[TangWeiPing]

Bread of Heaven/ Word of Life/ Jesus is the word of God Proverbs 16:28: A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. Extended Explanation of the Verse: Proverbs 16:28 teaches that people who engage in divisive behavior and gossip can cause deep harm to relationships. The word “perverse” here refers to someone who is morally twisted—someone who deliberately causes strife. This person may spread rumors, lies, or stir up trouble just for the sake of causing division. The second part of the verse focuses on gossip, which is described as something that can tear apart even the closest of friendships. The overall message is that those who use their words to create discord and spread gossip are destructive to community and unity. It’s a reminder of the significant damage that can come from careless or malicious speech.

Historical Context: In ancient Israel, community and relationships were vital for survival and social well-being. The people lived in close-knit communities where trust and cooperation were essential. Gossip and divisive behavior could quickly destroy relationships, leading to isolation and mistrust. Proverbs, largely written by Solomon, was intended to impart wisdom on how to live righteously and in harmony with others. This particular proverb addresses the importance of guarding our speech to maintain the peace and unity that was so crucial for the well-being of the community.

Theological Implications: Theologically, this verse emphasizes the importance of living in a way that reflects God’s desire for unity and peace among His people. God hates division, especially among those who are supposed to be loving and supporting one another. The Bible frequently warns against behaviors that cause discord and encourages believers to live in harmony. This verse shows that God values relationships and that we are called to protect the bonds we have with one another. Gossip and divisive speech are not only harmful to relationships but are also contrary to God’s will for how His people should live.

Literary Analysis: Proverbs 16:28 uses parallelism to draw a connection between the actions of a “perverse person” and the consequences of gossip. The phrase “stirs up conflict” suggests intentionality—someone who is actively seeking to create trouble. The second part, “a gossip separates close friends,” highlights the painful impact that careless or malicious words can have on even the strongest relationships. The structure of the verse emphasizes that both divisive behavior and gossip lead to broken relationships, showing that words have the power to either build up or tear down.

Biblical Cross-References: The Bible frequently addresses the dangers of gossip and divisive behavior: Proverbs 17:9: “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” James 3:6: “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire.” Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” These passages reinforce the idea that our words can either bring healing and unity or cause division and pain.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian: For Christians today, Proverbs 16:28 serves as a strong reminder to be mindful of how we use our words. In a world where gossip and divisive talk are often normalized, this verse challenges us to stand out by speaking words that build up rather than tear down. As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers and to protect the unity of our relationships. This means avoiding conversations that spread rumors or cause unnecessary conflict. Instead, we should focus on being sources of encouragement, bringing people together rather than driving them apart.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God: This verse reflects God’s love by showing that He cares deeply about the unity and well-being of His people. God desires that we live in peace with one another, building relationships that are grounded in love and mutual respect. By warning us against behaviors that cause division, God is guiding us toward a life that is more fulfilling and harmonious. God’s desire for unity among His people is a reflection of His loving nature. He knows that division and gossip not only harm individuals but also grieve His heart.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of how we should use our words to bring healing and unity rather than division. Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke words that built up, encouraged, and brought people closer to God. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commanded His followers to love one another, saying that this love would show the world that they are His disciples. Jesus always used His words to bring people together, heal broken relationships, and promote peace. By following Jesus’ example, we can learn to use our words in ways that reflect His love and bring unity to those around us.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion: Are there times when we have spoken words that caused division or hurt? How can we make amends? How can we be more intentional about avoiding gossip and divisive talk? What steps can we take to build others up with our words, even in difficult situations? How does Jesus’ example of using words to heal and bring unity challenge us in our own conversations? How can we encourage others to speak with kindness and promote peace in our community?

Proverbs 16:28 challenges us to be mindful of the impact our words have on others. By choosing to speak words that promote love, unity, and encouragement, we can reflect the heart of Christ and build stronger, healthier relationships.

Praying through Proverbs 16:28: Our prayer: Heavenly Father, there are many that spread strife and cause division through gossip and lies or they lack integrity and demean others. Deliver us, O our God, out of the hand of the wicked and save us from perverse people and those that seek to control the lives of others. We pray that our lips may be filled with gracious speech and healing words and that we develop an empathetic and listening ear. May we acknowledge You in all our ways and develop an understanding heart by Your grace. Thank You in Jesus' name, AMEN.

 

[Articles]

We acknowledge the profound truth in Proverbs 16:28 and the wisdom it imparts about the power of our words. The Scripture is clear that our speech can either build up or tear down, and we must take seriously the responsibility we have to use our words in a way that honors God and fosters unity among His people. The perverse person who stirs up conflict and the gossip who separates close friends are both instruments of division, and we must guard our hearts and tongues against such destructive behaviors.

If we have spoken words that caused division or hurt, we must first humble ourselves before God and seek His forgiveness. The psalmist writes in Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer." This should be our daily prayer, that our words and thoughts would be pleasing to God. When we have failed in this, we must repent and ask for His cleansing. 1 John 1:9 assures us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Next, we must seek forgiveness from those we have hurt. This requires humility and a willingness to admit our wrongdoing. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:23-24, "If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Reconciliation with our brothers and sisters in Christ is of utmost importance to God. We must approach those we have hurt with a contrite heart, ask for their forgiveness, and make amends where possible.

Healing begins with forgiveness, both from God and from those we have wronged. But it also requires a commitment to change. We must ask God to help us tame our tongues and fill our hearts with His love and wisdom. James 3:8-10 warns us, "But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God. Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so." We must strive to align our speech with God’s will, speaking words of life, encouragement, and truth.

Let us also remember that our words reflect the condition of our hearts. Jesus said in Luke 6:45, "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks." If our words have been divisive or hurtful, it may be a sign that our hearts need to be transformed by God’s grace. We must invite the Holy Spirit to work in us, purifying our hearts and filling us with His love so that our words may bring healing and unity.

We also recognize that gossip and divisive speech often stem from pride, insecurity, or a desire to elevate ourselves at the expense of others. Proverbs 11:12-13 says, "One who despises his neighbor lacks sense, but one who has a understanding holds his peace. One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit keeps a secret." We must cultivate humility and discretion, choosing to speak only what is necessary and edifying. If we are tempted to engage in gossip or divisive talk, we should pause and ask ourselves whether our words align with God’s command to love one another.

In our pursuit of healing and unity, let us look to the example of Jesus Christ, who used His words to bring healing, reconciliation, and peace. He spoke truth with love, confronted sin with grace, and always sought to restore relationships rather than destroy them. As His followers, we are called to imitate Him in all things, including how we use our words. Ephesians 4:29-32 instructs us, "Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."

Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble and contrite hearts, acknowledging that we have often used our words in ways that have caused division, hurt, and pain. We repent of the times we have spoken carelessly, gossiped, or stirred up conflict. Forgive us, Lord, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We ask that You would create in us clean hearts and renew a right spirit within us, that our words may be pleasing to You and edifying to others.

We pray for those we have hurt with our words. Give us the courage and humility to seek their forgiveness and to make amends where possible. Help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, as Your Word instructs us in James 1:19. Fill our hearts with Your love and wisdom so that our speech may reflect Your grace and truth.

Lord, we ask that You would guard our tongues and help us to use our words to build up rather than tear down. May we be instruments of Your peace, bringing healing and unity to our relationships and communities. Teach us to speak with kindness, humility, and discretion, and to avoid all forms of gossip and divisive talk. Let our words be a source of encouragement and life to those around us.

We also pray for those who have been hurt by the words of others. Comfort them, Lord, and heal their wounds. Help them to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged them, just as You have forgiven us. Restore broken relationships and bring reconciliation where there has been division.

Father, we thank You for the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who used His words to bring healing, hope, and salvation to the world. Help us to follow His example, speaking words that reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. May our speech always be seasoned with grace, that we may be a light to those around us.

We pray all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the power to transform our hearts and our words. Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

Dear friend,

We understand that sometimes our words can cut like a knife, leaving behind pain and division. It's a reminder we all need, isn't it? Let's take a moment to reflect on Proverbs 16:28 together.

"An evil person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends." (NIV)

This verse is like a mirror, showing us the power of our words. They can either bring people together or drive them apart. It's a choice we make each time we open our mouths.

Let's ask ourselves these questions:

1. Have we ever spoken words that caused division or hurt?
2. How can we make amends and seek forgiveness?
3. How can we be more intentional about avoiding gossip and divisive talk?
4. What steps can we take to build others up, even in difficult situations?

Let's also remember Jesus' example. He used His words to heal, encourage, and bring people together. He said, "By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:37, NIV)

Let's pray together:

Dear Lord,

Help us to use our words wisely, as tools to build up rather than tear down. Give us the courage to apologize when we've spoken hurtfully, and the wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent.

Help us to be more like Jesus, using our words to heal, encourage, and bring people closer to You. Help us to be peacemakers, not stirrers of conflict.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.