Lowered Voices

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

You may have noticed that there is a difference in the way the KJV and NASB translate this verse.   It seems they are looking at different Hebrew words.  The KJV says “talebearer” (5372) and the NASB uses “whisperer” (7279).  When I dig a little I find that in reality they are the same word but for reasons that are beyond me have different numbers.  Go figure.  Another error that turns out to be not an error.  It probably goes back to an ego contest between two scholars.

Onward.  In your experience is gossip whispered or shouted?  My feeling is that when people have a juicy tidbit to share they look around, lower their voice, lean toward you and pass it along.  That might be a good indication if something should be shared.  If you can’t say it in a normal voice without worrying about being overheard, maybe it should not be said.

So?  Have you had to lower your voice this week?  Think about why.