Wounds of Gossip

(Proverbs 18:8 KJV)  The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

“Wounds” (dainty morsels NASB) (3859) are the snack foods of life.  This word is only used two places, here and Proverbs 26:22.  Both verses are exactly the same.  My comments are triggered by the NASB translation of “dainty morsels.”

Snack foods usually only guarantee one “nutrient,” calories.  I say nutrient because the energy to run our bodies comes from calories and some of the gurus I have read say a calorie is a calorie no matter where it comes from.  So even the little bits of junk food have the potential to add something to keep us alive.  Over all their contribution is questionable.

The same with gossip.  The juicy little tidbit being passed on may contain a kernel of truth, or at least in it’s original form it did.  In the form and quantity of it’s passage only harm results.  How do you deal with snack foods?  Some avoid them altogether.  Some pick carefully and limit quantities. 

We can’t avoid all contact or listening.  That means we have to use our minds, spirits and discernment to limit our intake to that which is beneficial.

So?  Filter.  Accept and reject.  Remember that filters need to be cleaned regularly.  Keep in contact with the Great Cleaner.