"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Saturday, September 7, 2024 - Day 251 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 11,12 1 Cor. 15:33-58)
KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT
“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man of understanding remains silent.
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” (Proverbs 11:12-13 ESV)
Years ago I shared a sermon on this topic. When one of our members was driving home from church, she asked her five year old what the pastor had said that morning. He answered: “I should keep my mouth shut.”
The Eighth Commandment You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest possible way.
If you lips would keep from slips, five things observe with care...
... to whom you speak,
......of whom you speak,
..........and how and when and where!
Keep me from saying words
That later need recalling;
Guard me lest idle speech
May from my lips be falling;
But when within my place
I must and ought to speak,
Then to my words give grace
Lest I offend the weak.
(“O God, My Faithful God,” LSB 696-3)
Heavenly Father, help me to keep my mouth shut when it comes to gossip and lies. And, when the time is right, open my mouth to defend my neighbor and share Your love. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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