“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21, NIV
Jennifer was in middle school when she was invited to a sleepover with some of her classmates. During the sleepover, the other girls tried to get Jennifer to say something unkind about her best friend.
Jennifer knew that telling the girls a juicy secret would cement her as one of the popular kids. But still, she refused to do it and instead, she shared how her friend had helped her through a difficult time.
Like Jennifer, Jonathan faced a similar dilemma. His father, King Saul, was ranting about David. He looked expectantly to Jonathan, hoping he’d join in and tear down David, too.
But this was Jonathan’s response:
Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly.” (1 Samuel 19:4, NIV)
It may not be popular, but you should always do the right thing. Jennifer showed this by praising her friend instead of belittling her.
Prayer:
Lord, help me when I’m tested to be a loyal friend. Let me speak gracious words over my friends. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
