the older women likewise,
that they be reverent in behavior,
not slanderers,
not given to much wine,
teachers of good things—
Titus 2:3
LORD Jesus, we praise You for You remain in control no matter what our situation is. You are bigger than every force of nature. You are above every man, every power, every word. Your Word is a mighty Sword. Help us, O God, to learn from Your Word, to know wisdom and to gain understanding. Enable us to follow You in everything we do and by every word we say, O LORD. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray. Amen.
READ — Today’s verse:
The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, NOT SLANDERERS, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—
(emphasis mine)
ENGAGE — Think. Fill in the blank. (Copy/Paste – NKJV)
The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, _____ _____, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—
Malicious gossip is wicked (devilish) in its source. The word used here, namely slanderer, is “diabolos” in the original Greek. It means means devil.
APPLY — What to do and not to do.
Words are powerful. They build up, but they also tear down. Making false and damaging accusations against someone hurts that someone and often her closest relatives as well. Gossip can ruin a whole family and cut the very bond of friends.
This is a sin contrary to the great duties of love, justice, and equity between one another; it springs often from malice and hatred, or envy, and such like evil causes, to be shunned as well as the effect.
Matthew Henry
DO — Think:
In yesterday’s post I wrote that
We should give no room to thoughts that are untrue, dishonest, unjust, or of bad report, but instead use them for good (Philippians 4:8).
It is not possible to think good and bad thoughts both at the same time. Even though bad thoughts do sneak into our minds and sin lies at our door, we should rule over them. How?
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8
Study, think, and speak good things in your home today.
