Gossip
It Isn't The Things That Go In One Ear
And Out The Other That Hurt As Much As The
Things That Go In One Ear, Get All Mixed Up
And Then Slip Out Of The Mouth!
Our motives aren't always malicious, sometimes
we just want to be the first to convey a bit
of juicy news or perhaps to vent our frustration.
We may camouflage our chatter as a prayer request,
or an item of concern; but regardless of our intent
or the format, it's gossip nonetheless.
*Remember that gossip isn't a victimless deed.
Pain nearly always accompanies gossip. Like
feathers in the wind, damaging words can never
be retrieved. And like a toxin, they cause
irreparable harm to the victim.
*Recognize the destructive results of gossip not
only to the subject of the gossip but to the one
gossiping. Proverbs 25:9-10 says, "If you argue
your case with a neighbor, do not betray another
man's confidence, or he who hears it may shame
you and you will never lose your bad reputation."
*Be quick to forgive others' mistakes. This is what
we want and expect others to do for us. Should we do
any less for them? It follows that when we think the
best of people we aren't so prone to speak the worst.
Proverbs 17:9 says, "He who covers over an offense
promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates
close friends." Even when a comment about another
person is true, the greater truth is that love covers
a multitude of sins.
*Refrain from talking too much. When we talk a lot
we get ourselves into trouble. "Even a fool is
thought wise if he keeps silent" (Proverbs 17:28).
By discreetly choosing what we say and with whom we
share our confidences, we protect others as well
as ourselves. The Proverbs also teach that when
we guard our words we're kept from serious trouble
(Proverbs 21:23; 13:3). By asking God to alert us
when we're speaking improperly, we become more
alert to the Holy Spirit's nudgings when He answers
our prayers.
*Refuse to listen to gossip. This can be done without
causing a scene or delivering a sermon. Sometimes
avoiding the company of gossips is all that is necessary
(Proverbs 20:19). At other times walking away from
a group that's speaking badly of another or defending
the person being spoken of delivers a powerful
message: You want no part of slanderous talk.
Those of us with even minimal life experience know
we could easily be the next target of malicious gossip.
Although we can do nothing to restrain the voracious
appetites of mankind to gobble up the choice morsels
of a gossip, we can apply the practical admonitions
of Scripture to curb our own appetites. And when we
do, we'll find the words of our mouths and the meditations
of our hearts are acceptable, not only in the sight
of God, but to our friends and neighbors as well.
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