Guard my conversations. . . .

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. (Proverbs 20:19)
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. (Proverbs 11:13)
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3)

Yesterday I met with two others for prayer and sharing our thoughts. We have learned that some subjects bless us, but not gossip. Sharing our thoughts can build us up, but not if our words are tearing someone down. We have also learned that each of us has wisdom to share. I’m learning the value of listening…

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words. (Ecclesiastes 5:1–3)

Not gossiping yet being watchful regarding those who do, or those who cause other problems is not easy, for if we speak evil of them, we become guilty of the same thing they do. This is a challenge:

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. (Romans 16:17–19)

The answer to this came in a discussion about current political issues. Rather than be critical or correcting policies that we have no control over, this passage came to mind:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1–2)

Then this thought: it is impossible to hate someone that I continually pray for, so is it possible that God commands us to pray for our politicians so we do not hate them and instead give them prayer support? If our hearts are not filled with malice or personal preferences, perhaps with anger too, the Lord will soon give us productive prayer requests.

This command is not so those leaders will make my life peaceful and godly, but so I will be behaving that way rather than worrying and complaining about the behaviors I do not like, as if I know how to run the world better than they do — or better than God does.

Lord Jesus, the media and many others constantly criticize those in leadership. This is disobedience. We are to pray. It may be appropriate to voice our concerns, but not to each other. Your Word says to take criticism or rebukes directly to the person who is not doing right, not to gossip about them. That is unfruitful and sin. If I pray, You give me the right course of action, or may even tell me to keep my mouth shut because You are in charge. Thank You. I will be praying for those in high positions more often — without talking or complaining about them instead of listening to You.