If you want to be a bad friend, you can tear down your friends with your words. Words are funny things. They can be either super encouraging or super destructive. You have probably experienced this in some way in your life. The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a great saying but one that’s easier said than done. The truth is that words hurt … a lot! This is why it’s so important to watch what we say and how we say it. Today’s passage talks about how a dishonest person spreads strife or conflict and how a “whisperer” (gossip) drives friends apart.

• When was the last time you were torn down by a friend’s words? What happened?
• When was the last time you were encouraged by a friend? What did he or she say to you?