Exodus 20:16 (The Message)
No lies about your neighbor.
This commandment sounds simple, right? It can be, but sometimes it's difficult to apply.
If you're a witness in a court of law, telling the truth about people, their character and situations in which they're involved is paramount. Because of the laws instituted by the Government (and the punishments assigned to violating those laws), almost everyone will willingly tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
However, how do we operate under God's holy law?
At the water cooler, conversations with coworkers can quickly change to gossip about fellow peers or supervisors. In most cases, it's usually targeting those who don't happen to be within earshot at the time, or people who are generally unsavory to the crowd. Often, juicy rumors and jokes start out in a harmless way, embedded in truth. But with each twist or embellishment, they begin to spread like wildfire. The victims of these acts usually have no idea of the negative light they've been cast into, until damage has been done, or respect has been lost.
Proverbs 16:28 (The Message)
Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships.
So, before you open your mouth to speak about someone else (trust me, I'm saying this to myself as well), consider whether or not the words are truthful. If they're not pure, consider keeping them to yourself.
Good Night
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