From the mouth, smoldering morsels or breath of life.

Fire can be useful. Boil a billy, cook and provide warmth. But fire, without thought or wisely handled, can be a destroyer.

Fire is a fascinating creature to watch. The tiniest flicker of flame gives it life and it quickly can grow to an inferno given the right circumstances.

The thrill of lighting a match, watching it flare up, and as you hold it to the kindling … the flame leaps across and draws life out of the kindling and flame flickers and dances as it weaves it’s way to the timber. Within moments the logs have caught alight and the fire is established.

There is no where the fire won’t seek out and all is consumed until just a remnant of coals lay smoldering in a heap of ash.

Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Proverbs 4:24

A perverse mouth and corrupt talk can speak of deceitfulness, lying, sarcasm or cutting words, and even foul language… but gossip tops the list.

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
Proverbs 18:8

A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
Proverbs 20:19

Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
Proverbs 26:20,21

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
James 3:6

Wisdom says to watch what comes from our mouth… it is like a match that gives life to the fire. With our words we can also add fuel to an existing fire. Gossip spreads like wildfire.

We are all disgusted with Firebugs… is a gossiper, lier, slanderer, etc., any different?

Settle this issue in your heart this day.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29

It will take great discipline to speak only words that help, build up, encourage and give life. Consider every word before they leave your lips.

Will your words be wisely handled this day?