Proverbs 17:3-4 (ESV)
3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and the Lord tests hearts.
4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips,
and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
When intense heat is applied to metals, they become liquid and separate into their components. Silver and gold are purified from contamination through fire. In the same way, God tests the human heart. In the heat of trials, we can discover whether or not our faith is genuine. And as shocking as it may seem, the woman who listens to gossip and slander is just as guilty as the one who maligns others. A woman may think she is justified by providing a listening ear, but this proverb calls her a liar. When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, we will be tested. And if we have spoken or listened to destructive speech, participating in the harm of another human’s reputation, we will be found guilty. When there is none to hear, evil speech dies out. Be extremely careful of what you say and what you listen to today. God is concerned with both!