On February 18th, we entered the season of Lent with an Ash Wednesday service. Ash Wednesday emphasizes a dual encounter: we confront our own mortality and confess our sin before God within the community of faith. The form and content of the service focused on the dual themes of sin and death in the light of God's redeeming love in Jesus Christ. The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship, and the Imposition of Ashes can be a powerful nonverbal and experiential way of participating in the call to repentance and reconciliation. This practice is the historic focus of Ash Wednesday observance and gave the day its name.
Ash Wednesday was not just one day for us to remember who we are and whose we are. It was the start of the season of Lent, a time to study and reflect on our thoughts, actions and attitudes that separate us from the life God intends for His children. We are held by the immeasurable grace of God and our need for him. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Our Wednesday morning Bible study has been examining the book of Proverbs. King Solomon highly likely penned chapters 1 to 29 of Proverbs. A man named Agur wrote chapter thirty. King Lemuel wrote chapter thirty-one. The author tell us right in the first chapter the nine sets of reasons why the book was written. Solomon wrote Proverbs to offer instruction, wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 1:2). He also recorded the book to help others gain an understanding of judgment and equity (verse 3), to acquire simple prudence and to offer discretion and knowledge to the young (verse 4).
Through God's Holy Spirit, wisdom can empower the believer to make good, righteous choices - choices that led to a full and rich life. How did Solomon become as wise as he did? He asked for it! And God gave him not only wisdom but riches and honor as well.
All of this said, I want to focus on just a couple Proverbs, the taming of the tongue and gossip. The writers of the Proverbs use repetition, I assume, to make their messages stick in the minds of the readers. There are over 20 Proverbs listed when taming of the tongue is googled. One that puts it concisely is
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. Proverbs 17:7
I encourage you to read the numerous Proverbs about taming the tongue, But what about gossip? There are just as many, even a few more Proverbs pertaining to gossip. I’m giving you just two as a taste to encourage you to read more.
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. Proverbs 20:19
Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. Proverbs 26:20
Why am I focusing this letter on taming the tongue and gossip? Yes, because of the Bible Study on Proverbs, but, also, because I and several others I have heard from, are recently guilty of this sins. And, I believe we are not alone. I would venture to say that each one of us has said something without thinking first-is it true, is it kind, is it necessary?
I opened this letter with an explanation of Lent. It is a time to study and reflect on our thoughts, actions and attitudes that separate us from the life God intends for His children. May we use the Proverbs to reflect on our actions as children of God as we prepare to celebrate Resurrection Sunday on April 5th.
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24
Love in Christ, Pastor Nancy
