Proverbs 18

The fool takes no delight in understanding,
but rather in displaying what he thinks. ~ Proverbs 18:2

I was struck by this verse because sometimes, it's really important for me to display what I think. Sometimes I need to display what I think by getting the last word in or other times I do it because I want people to see how much I know. The author is pretty smart because in both cases, the display is more about asserting myself than trying to understand the situation or the other parties involved. Both of these can be deadly in a romantic relationship...

The words of a talebearer are like dainty morsels
that sink into one's inmost being. ~ Proverbs 18:8

Haha, this sounded like a positive thing when I first read it, but then I realized that I wasn't sure what talebearer means. According to the free dictionary, talebearer means: "One who spreads malicious stories or gossip." So then malicious stories and gossip are like dainty morsels that sink into one's inmost being? Yikes! From experience, I agree with that. I think that's one of the reason why gossip is often described as "juicy." It's so tempting to want to hear and then when we hear it, it can be sort of pleasurable, which is probably why it's so tough to curb. Gossip can be positive ("oooh, did you know that this person is dating that person?") or mostly negative ("omg, did you see what she wore today? it's so like last season and i was like o_O"). ...

One of the reasons I think it sinks so deep is because it hits at the core of who we are, but in a way that betrays how God wants us to be. The pleasure comes from comparing ourselves to others and we are comforted because at least we're not that bad or at least other people are like that too. It also gives us a semblance of power and control because we're "in the know." If we realize these things, then we must beware the talebearer's words because they're like that extra cupcake when you're on a diet.

He who finds a wife finds happiness;
it is a favor he receives from the LORD. ~ Proverbs 18:22

I thought of celibate priests first when I read this. But then I realized that this applies to them too! They marry the Church! And they have TONS of spiritual children! w00t! Colin, care to elaborate?