"... he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends."
Every time I read this verse, I think this is so sad!!!
If someone tells you something about another person, take it with a grain of salt. Give that other person the benefit of doubt. Maybe that person did say those words, but not in the way it was conveyed to you. Maybe they did what it was said they did, but not in the manner implied, and you haven't heard the whole story.
Or maybe it isn't even true at all.
Think: Why is this person even telling you this? What is their motive?
Proverbs 18:13
"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."
If you do feel something against a friend, first pray for them. Don't repeat it. And especially if they're your brother or sister in Christ, you should be seeking to resolve matters. You're family! When you've been able to give it to God, and when you feel he is leading you, go to them in the spirit of meekness. Don't go angry. ♥
►When someone would gossip to my Mom, she would stop them from continuing and say, "Well, we'd better pray for them right now!" And she would bow her head right there and pray! Needless to say, she stopped hearing much gossip. ;)
James 3:5-6
"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth greath things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and is set on fire of hell."
