There's Too Much Hitting, Cutting, and Piercing Going On.

Let me say first off that this post is not aimed towards anyone. I know there are people who are going to read this and think that, but it's not. It was something that the Lord gave me while I was doing some of my reading and studying. I had never taken the time to look at this verse quite like this before, I hope it helps you as much as it helped me.

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Proverbs 25:18
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Maul (Hammer or Mallet)
Sword
Sharp Arrow
= GOSSIP AND LYING

Gossip and lying in this verse is compared to hitting with a hammer, cutting of a sword and piercing with sharp arrows. As far as I know, these are all very painful things when done to a human being. Not a very pleasant experience I can assure you. Getting hit, cut or pierced by just ONE of these would be painful enough, but if you go back and read that verse again you will see that it says a man that bears false witness against his neighbour (by the way, EVERYONE is your neighbour) is a maul AND a sword AND a sharp arrow.
So when you are out there gossiping and lying about someone you are beating, cutting and piercing them all at the same time with your words. How painful and hurtful it is for that person being gossiped and lied about.
Most of the time we say that it's okay, that person will be okay, they'll get over it. It may seem that way to you, and they may even tell you they're fine once they hear what has been said and who all it was said to, but deep inside they are beat up and cut to pieces over what has been said.
Gossip and lying are very, very, very hurtful things and are very wrong. Gossip and lying has destroyed many relationships, both family and friends.

Oh God, help us to all to not gossip and lie!