Two Ways of Dealing with People

by Pat Canavan October 7, 2014 Scripture: Proverbs 30:10

Proverbs 30:10

Do not slander a servant to his master,
lest he curse you and you be held guilty.

Slander is very damaging, and its effects can linger for many years. It can take the form of an outright lie; it can be an exaggeration of a supposed offense; it can be an accurate description of an event without considering the consequences; it can have its roots in an unforgiving spirit or pride; or it can even be used to cover up our own guilt. There are always casualties when slander is present. This is not a victimless sin, and the last victim often ends up being the one who started the slander in the first place. Even when the intended initial victim is someone in the lower “pecking order,” the slander can turn and victimize the original sender. We should never be in a position when another person must call upon God to get satisfaction against us.

Satan is very good at accusations and slander. He takes delight in standing before God and accusing us all the time. He is quick to point out our sins and failings. When we slander, we are following his example. Instead, we should be more like Christ who intercedes for others before the throne of the Father and is our defender and advocate against the barbs of Satan. We are left with two choices. Do we want to waste time slandering others, or spend time praying for them, asking God to work in a situation?

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