DAY 20 IN THE 91-DAY NEW HABIT CHALLENGE! #ProverbsChallenge


 Proverbs 20--Day 20! Have you been able to read a chapter or portion of a chapter each day? I would love to hear your stories.

Today's chapter deals with a treasure chest of wisdom. Discretion. Job security. Prudence. Diplomacy. Loyalty. Integrity. Even wisdom about sneaking food.

You may feel a bit overwhelmed with all the information before you. Where do you focus? What's most important--for today? 

Remember to watch for memories that suddenly spring up, or pictures and scenes that form in your mind, or a feeling of conviction and strong emotion. Those are all good things. GOD is speaking to you. Even if it feels uncomfortable, know that you're about to do something difficult and amazing because He loves you! He wants you whole and in love with Him and life.


For me, today, a bit of emotion bubbled up over verse 19. The Babbler. There are two types of babblers. The talkers and the deceivers.

The talkers. We've all met them. Maybe they're in our family, office, or are even our friends. The babbler fills the air with chatter--superfluous words that leave us exhausted and often times confused. 

Babblers are often looking for fodder to talk about, which means they're not always discreet or discerning about what they say. They're not always aware when they've stepped over the line into gossip.

When we hear the words, "Did you hear/know . . ." pay attention because we may need to stop the babbler.

I believe a talker-babbler can learn. Why? Because I was a talker-babbler. It took people interrupting me as I spoke before I realized I had a problem. It was embarrassing, but I'm glad folks cared enough to help me. And even if they didn't care, I'm glad I was made aware of my issue.

I still lean toward excessive talking, but I'm more aware of others' physical cues that I'm going on and on and on and--- okay, you get the idea.

Also, I've learned that just because I know something doesn't mean I have to share it with the world. Even--and especially--if I feel compelled to share it to draw attention to myself or simply fill the silence with my words.

The deceiver is a different type of babbler. The deceiver has motives that are intended to harm others with their words. Many times these souls spiritualize their motives to share others' personal information. As in, "We need to pray for so-and-so because . . ."

How do we tell the difference between a talker or deceiver? Discernment. 

But whether innocent or nefarious, someone who babbles should be stopped because sometimes we can't avoid being around them. Eventually, however, the babbler who wants to learn will learn, the babbler who doesn't, generally will move on.

Our goal as brothers and sisters in Messiah is to be united. All types of babbling destroy unity and trust. Because Yeshua prayed for our unity (John 17), I think it breaks His heart when we do it. Rooting out the tale-bearing in our hearts will bring joy to His.

May our words be measured and wholesome and GOD-inspired, my friends.

Proverbs 20:19--A talebearer goes about, revealing secrets, so do not associate with a babbler. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV
#tlvbible #tlvproverbs #ProverbsChallenge

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