A Discouraging Word

 


I was at a party. The attendees, tho not all directly acquainted, were all connected by having the guest of honor as a relative/friend "in common." As happens in the milling about and socializing, conversations take place and pieces of them are overheard by non-participants. I happened to catch a snippet where a relative mentioned an opinion that was contrary to the guest of honor's opinion and planning. No doubt the family member made the comment with the best of intentions, surely out of love and concern. They're family, after all. Still, it was in direct opposition to the intentions and plans of the guest of honor. Not that there was any threat to health or life of anyone. Nothing was dangerous, just a difference of opinion on a mundane matter.

Later on, I casually mentioned to my friend that I heard this family member wasn't on board with the chosen course of my friend. In doing so, I caused hurt to my friend and put the face of the family member on my offense, injuring two with one sin. It upset my friend to hear it, and it increased tension in their family. Who knows how bad it might get or how long it might take to resolve?

All that can be certain is that I hurt two people, sticking my nose where it didn't belong because I had overheard a few words with no context. It was easy to hurt them, because there were virtually no repercussions for me.

Did I intend to sin and hurt these two people? No. Was I careless? Yes. I did not guard my tongue. I should have forgotten every word that was not addressed to me. I should have remained silent.

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. - Proverbs 10:9

 

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