“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” Pro. 16:28
A perverse person is one that twists the truth for their own ends or to fulfil an ungodly agenda. They distort facts or only provide a shaded or partial-truth, through deceit and lies. Too often this is carried out to confuse others, gain control of a situation, entrap someone, or simply spread discouragement and despair.
Another ungodly characteristic from which we should be divorced is slander, “for a slanderer separates intimate friends.” How often malicious gossip, unnecessary tittle-tattle, or promoting a rumour, has caused endless pain or promoted division. In Ecclesiastes we are warned, “Do not let your speech cause you to sin,” while Paul encourages us, “Let your speech be always with grace – and seasoned with salt”.
Four of the seven things that God hates are connected with perversity and slander; a lying tongue, a heart that devises wicked plans, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.
How important is this truth, that’s revealed in this verse and what devastation can be carried out by, “a perverse man who spreads strife or a slanderer who causes division.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, there are many that spread strife and cause division through gossip and lies or they lack integrity and demean others. Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked and save me from perverse people and those that seek to control the lives of others. Help me to keep my focus on Jesus.Thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen!