Title: Backbiting!

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Proverbs 16:28 – “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”  NIV
Backbiting is one of those subtle sins that can easily creep into our conversations, yet Scripture warns us strongly against it. To backbite is to speak negatively about someone behind their back, tearing down their character instead of building them up. It is a hidden form of gossip that poisons relationships and dishonors God.

What the Bible Says:
- Proverbs 16:28 – “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”  
  Backbiting destroys trust and unity, leaving division in its wake.
- Psalm 15:1-3 – “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? … The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor.”  
  God values integrity and purity of speech. A backbiting tongue disqualifies us from His holy presence.
- James 4:11 – “Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.”  
  Backbiting is not just against people—it is rebellion against God’s command to love.

Reflection:
When we backbite, we not only hurt others but also reveal the condition of our own hearts. Jesus reminds us that “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Matthew 12:34). If our words are filled with criticism and slander, it shows we need God to cleanse our hearts.
  Instead of backbiting, Scripture calls us to use our words to encourage, edify, and bring grace (Ephesians 4:29). The tongue can either be a weapon of destruction or an instrument of healing—God desires the latter.

Prayer:
Lord, guard my tongue from speaking ill of others. Help me to build up and not tear down, to speak life and not death. May my words reflect Your love and truth, and may I honor You in every conversation. Amen.

Share your thoughts here and please feel free to share this with your contacts. ©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, gbemide09@gmail.com.

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