Proverbs 12:6

The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,
but the speech of the upright saves them.

Gossip is a deadly ambush. As a victim of gossip, it comes out of nowhere and attacks our inner-most being. The people we thought we could trust either shared gossip about us or didn’t stand up to it and correct the lie or defend us. The worse use of gossip is the tabloid magazines that photo-shop pictures of celebrities and use slivers of truth to create entire worlds of lies. And even in there is truth to the story, why do people feel the need to publicize it? What good can come of that?

When we use the weapon of gossip, when we become the enemy of truth and righteousness – Lord have mercy on us. This is why it’s important to love your enemy – it’s nearly impossible to shoot those you love with gossip. Love becomes a protective shield, like body armor, for both the gossiper and the victim.

What does upright speech sound like? Peaceful. Prayerful. Patient. Sometimes I think the speech of the upright is silences – a quiet persona that listens to others and prayerfully considers how to respond. The verse takes the speech of the upright a step further. It saves them. Not only does it protect us, but it saves us.

There are many more Proverbs to further illustrate the power of speech. These are just the few that were on the same page as Proverbs 12:6.

12:13 In the sin of his lips the evil man is ensnared,
but the just comes free of trouble.

12:17 He tells the truth who states what he is sure of,
but a lying witness speaks deceitfully.

12:18 The prating of some men (and women) is like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise is healing.

12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart depresses it,
but a kindly word makes it glad.