Thought for the Day

Verse 26 - One of the principles of life that God established, is the principle that man must work for his food (Genesis 3:19). After the fall of man, all of mankind is subject to laboring to eat. Because some men are lazy and idle, it takes hunger to drive them to work so they can eat. In the New Testament, we find this admonition. "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread" (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).

Verse 27 - Those who dig up evil about others are like a wildfire scorching everything it touches. Our culture is guilty of this sin. Some actually make a living by finding out dirt on people and broadcasting it through all the gossip channels in the media. As Christians, we should not be a part of writing exposés and spreading gossip. Only God knows the real truth. Love does not expose, but covers sin (1 Peter 4:8).

Verse 28 - Through gossip, a perverse man can separate close friends. As Christians, we should not listen to gossip, since that makes us a party to it. If the one that is being talked about is not there to defend himself, it is not a fair conversation. If there is cause for a true accusation, the issue should be taken up with the offender. If he does not repent, two or three witnesses should be brought along and the offender addressed on the issue again. If he will still not repent, it should be brought before the church, but at no time should a person discuss someone's fault with anyone besides the person at fault (Matthew 18:15-17). To do so is to participate in gossip and slander.

Verses 29-30 - Evil men are not content to sin by themselves; they try to influence others to join them. We need to avoid people like this. We must also resist evil, giving no place to the wicked one. We can do this by keeping our minds on wholesome things (Philippians 4:8) and casting down every imagination that would exalt itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5).