Gossip vs. Trustworthiness

Gossip vs. Trustworthiness

Proverbs 25 has many lessons in it.  Today when I read it, I found a theme.  This theme warned against gossip and encouraged trustworthiness.

In verses 9-10, Solomon tells us using gossip to get ourselves out of trouble will only end badly:

9 If you take your neighbor to court,
    do not betray another’s confidence,
10 or the one who hears it may shame you
    and the charge against you will stand.

In verses 18, it says using gossip is like using a lethal weapon:

Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
    is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.

And, in verses 23, it says using gossip makes you look bad:

Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain
    is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.

In addition, in verses 28, Solomon tells us because gossip is a lack of self-control, a person who participates in such thing will be broken down:

Like a city whose walls are broken through
    is a person who lacks self-control.

However, in verses 13, Solomon says a trustworthy messenger is like a fresh glass of water and "refreshes the spirit."

Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time
    is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;
    he refreshes the spirit of his master.