An Angry Countenance Drives Away Backbiters

Proverbs 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Some have erroneously suggested that anger is a sin. But God commands His people to be angry, yet, without sinning (Ephesians 4:26). If a man can be angry without sinning, then anger is not a sin. In fact, anger used in a righteous manner can accomplish many things for the Lord. One of the benefits of anger is found in our passage. [A good healthy angry countenance can serve as the best remedy to keep people from backbiting others while in your presence.] The reason why people continue to backbite others in our presence is because we seem to find it acceptable, if not enjoyable. The backbiting tongue will cease when you meet it with an angry countenance.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): If one of your friends is speaking against another person, you can tell him that you don't want to hear it, that he should go to that person and settle whatever is bothering him, and that he should find something nice to say about the person.

• (For everyone): Do you find that your ear is often the recipient of backbiting? Do others find comfort in telling you the bad news about others? How do you react when people backbite in your presence?

• What could you say to someone in order to let them know that backbiting others is not acceptable to you? How could you inform them that God is not pleased with their words?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Ask the Lord to give you wisdom when dealing with backbiters.

• Ask God to help you deter backbiting in your presence.

SONG: Blest Be The Tie That Binds

Pastor Andrew Ray

Devotions on Backbiting