Proverbs 25:23-24 (ESV)
23 The north wind brings forth rain,
and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
24 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop
than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
Just as the north wind brings cold temperatures and a sharp chill to the air, the gossip or the slanderer’s words generate icy stares from the community toward the one whose reputation she’s trashed. The damage is done secretly, and the victim often is clueless as to what took place. A wife’s negative and hostile speech is just as ugly and injurious as the words of the slanderer. Facing the freezing wind from an unprotected rooftop is preferable to living with a bickering spouse. So much harm can result from our sinful use of words. We may think we are powerful or clever because we can gossip or nag or manipulate others and end up getting what we want, but in the end God knows exactly what’s going on. If you are someone who pushes and pushes until you get your way, today is the day to stop. Put your trust in God rather than your incessant words.