To be forward means to be perverse. We usually reserve the use of the term perverse for the vilest of sins. And yet, Solomon links perversity with the common, acceptable sin of simply repeating information that does not edify others. At first glance, it seems that maybe Solomon is going a little overboard. But as he further explains, the reason this habit is so perverse is because it destroys. It destroys bonds (chief friends) that appear to be unbreakable. Imagine the rage that would envelop you if you saw a child being beaten in the playground by a pack of bullies. Now imagine that you are one of the bullies. Impossible? Unthinkable? Never? But this is exactly the position, a position of cruel, thoughtless destruction, that we are guilty of engaging in when we whisper or spread things that have the potential of causing strife. No one reading this can claim innocence any more than I can claim innocence in this area as I write. This reality cries out for two things: 1) the cleansing, forgiving blood of Jesus Christ to cover my perversity, and 2) the Spirit of God to keep a guard over the door of my lips.