July 20, 2026 Morning Devotional
Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs
Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
A talebearer is one who tells tales and stories; the idea is that the talebearer does to create strife.
One of the most egregious problems in a church is the talebearer the one who whispers telling on others or about others adding coals to the fire maliciously.
Such talk creates wounds that are deep seated in the belly or heart of others making unity difficult in the church or the family or the work place. Distrust through talebearing often leads to devisions, people take sides following the talebearer rather than removing it from the problem.
Remove the talebearer and the fire stops, the contentions stop, the wounds are healed and the deep seated mistrust fades away.
We have seen this issue before in the proverbs.
Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
The problem is nothing new, it was addressed when God gave Moses the law in Leviticus.
Leviticus 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.
Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
What’s the best way for you according to God’s word?
Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Bring everything before the Lord before you act.
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
The choice is still yours,
Pastor Cook
