Pro 25:23 | MHM | STEP | Dealing with Slander and Backbiting This section teaches how we should respond to slander and gossip. Solomon uses a picture from nature to show how a strong reaction can stop harmful words. If we do not accept or encourage gossip, it will not spread. Our attitude can help silence those who want to speak evil of others. v. 23 : The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue . Just like a cold north wind can drive away rain, giving a stern or angry look can stop someone who wants to gossip or speak badly about others. If we do not welcome slander, but instead show clearly that we dislike it—even just with our expression—it can discourage people from continuing. Slander and backbiting need encouragement to grow; if they see that we are unhappy with such talk, it often goes away. Sometimes, just a look of disapproval is enough to silence a backbiting tongue. If we show that we are not pleased with gossip, people will think twice before speaking it around us.

‏ Proverbs 25:23

Dealing with Slander and Backbiting

This section teaches how we should respond to slander and gossip. Solomon uses a picture from nature to show how a strong reaction can stop harmful words. If we do not accept or encourage gossip, it will not spread. Our attitude can help silence those who want to speak evil of others.

v. 23: The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue . Just like a cold north wind can drive away rain, giving a stern or angry look can stop someone who wants to gossip or speak badly about others. If we do not welcome slander, but instead show clearly that we dislike it—even just with our expression—it can discourage people from continuing. Slander and backbiting need encouragement to grow; if they see that we are unhappy with such talk, it often goes away. Sometimes, just a look of disapproval is enough to silence a backbiting tongue. If we show that we are not pleased with gossip, people will think twice before speaking it around us.