How can Proverbs 25:23 guide us in addressing conflict biblically? Text and Context Proverbs 25:23: “As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.” Key Observations • The comparison is literal: just as certain winds reliably produce rain in Israel’s climate, slander predictably produces anger. • “Backbiting tongue” refers to secret, behind-the-back criticism. • The result—“angry looks”—exposes the inevitable fallout of hidden gossip: visible conflict. Principles for Addressing Conflict • Expectable Consequences – Gossip breeds anger as surely as weather patterns bring rain. – Anticipate that secret criticism will surface and damage relationships. • Root Cause, Not Just Symptoms – Anger in others often traces back to concealed words we or someone else have spoken. • Preventive Speech – The surest way to avoid relational storms is to refuse backbiting altogether (Ephesians 4:29). • Transparency Over Secrecy – Speak truth openly to the person involved instead of whispering to a third party (Matthew 18:15). • Responsibility Before God – Because Scripture is literally true, we treat this warning as a fixed moral law, not a suggestion. Practical Application 1. Before speaking about someone, pause and ask: “Would I say this if they were present?” 2. If you have gossiped, confess to the Lord (1 John 1:9) and then seek reconciliation with the offended party (Matthew 5:23-24). 3. Redirect conversations that drift into backbiting; offer to pray for the person or facilitate direct dialogue instead. 4. Foster an environment of open, edifying speech in your home, workplace, and church (Proverbs 15:4; Colossians 4:6). 5. When you encounter anger, humbly investigate whether backbiting has played a role, and address it with gentle honesty (Proverbs 15:1; James 1:19-20). Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 26:20—“Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” • Psalm 15:2-3—A righteous person “does not slander with his tongue.” • Ephesians 4:31—“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… along with every form of malice.” • James 3:5-6—The tongue, though small, can set a forest ablaze. Summary Encouragement Take Proverbs 25:23 at face value: gossip guarantees conflict. Choose transparent, grace-filled words, and you will calm storms before they form. |
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