17 Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own. 18 Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death 19 is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” 20 Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. 21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife. 22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.

One of the things I have come to learn in life.  There are people who enjoy a heated, angry conflict rather than the joy of  hard work or helping others.  Normal life to them is creating strife through gossip and arguments,  then sitting back and enjoy their work.

Gossip can be delicious.

Be careful to not get bitten by this desire.  There is something in all of us that wants to hear some secret news of others.  This is the fuel of many TV and Social Media programs.  Maybe it’s the excitement.  Maybe it’s the danger.  Verse 22 does say “the words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down to the inner most.”  You can get a taste for it.   

Be aware of smiling people who want to share

Put your guard up.  Many people lift themselves up by pushing others down.  Please be aware of the darkness that begins to flood your heart as the gossip and quarrels bring their excitements.  It is a quick path away from God’s presence as hunger for more juicy bits increase.

Soon your only joy will be other peoples pain.

Proverbs 26:23-28

23 Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware  are fervent lips with an evil heart.

24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. 25 Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.

26 Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. 27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.

28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.  

Take your lightnside and run away from these people. Be at peace with others and God.