With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape. Proverbs 11:9

Have you ever put somebody down only to realize seconds (or even nanoseconds) later what you did? You might even ask, “which time this week are you referring to?”

The book of James, written to Believers, expands upon this theme, and warns strongly against gossip and idle chatter. I find it mildly satisfying when I hear and transmit a piece of gossip, only to regret it later. Part of it is my need to feel superior to the person being gossiped about; part of it is just wanting “dirt” on others, possibly to file it away for future usage.

Our tongues and our minds need to be sacrificed daily at the Altar of God as well. Or shall I say, “especially?”