The Talebearer


Without wood a fire goes out;
without gossip a quarrel dies down.

As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.

Like a coating of glaze over earthenware
are fervent lips with an evil heart.

A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.

Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.

His malice may be concealed by deception,
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it;
if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.

A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.


Proverbs 26:20-28

Thoughts from JW: "Gossip that reaches the ear of someone who will not repeat it--dies." (David Roper)

Talking about another person is so easy to do. I might say, "This is not gossip, this is true." or "YOU need to know this so you won't be surprised." But it doesn't change the fact that I would be gossiping. Talking about another seems to be the pastime of many... probably most. And what's the harm if the person doesn't find out? I once heard that good character is not what you do when someone's watching, but what you do when no one is watching. To me both are equally important. Deciding what we will do prior to call of the gossip bug is crucial if we wish to serve God. If we refuse to talk about about others, even if it is true -even if it is fun, we are serving them love.

I have been on both sides of gossip. I have been the talebearer. And I have been the subject of gossip. Neither benefited me in any way. None.

I will ask you to think about two things today. 1) Can you stop gossip at your ear? 2) And if you will, what do see as the benefits? Refusing to gossip BTW is not popular.

No comments needed. Just think about, while I go do some soul searching.

Blessings,
JW

Comments

Gail said…
I dislike gossip and do not participate in the carrying of the tales.

Wonderful message.
Thanks for the Sunday message. Important topic to think about.

Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Unknown said…
JW, you expressed this pet peeve of mine so nicely. I have also heard gossip described as a pillow fight on a windy day when both pillows burst. The feather are grabbed by the wind and where they end up no one knows. Words should be chosen wisely. I've been on both ends and neither is nice.

Thanks for a beautifully written lesson. Take care & God bless!
Carol Murdock said…
JW, thank you for this! I really like this! We had a conversation about this very thing on TG DAY !
Arlee Bird said…
I find that often times I learn more about the person relating the gossip than about the person they are gossiping about.
Lee
The Park Wife said…
Gossip is so destructful and so easy to get sucked into. The worst I have been around lately is young wives who want to vent and talk about their husbands. Once one does it, women hop right on the husband bashing wagon. It is so important for older wives (all 10 years I have under my belt) to guide these young women.

O.K. I know you did not ask for a comment but this has been bothering me lately and we need to all be on guard and be lights for truth when gossip begins around us. Thanks for the reminder.
The Park Wife
Anonymous said…
I heartily agree with you. Gossip has nearly eaten me to death. I memorized a section of this years ago, Gossip goes down like a choice morsel to the iner most parts...

It is a sobering reminder that what tastes delicious is not always good for the eater (let alone the one who is gossiped about).
Ok I wasn't going to comment, but I want to now. You all have answered so wisely and passionately. So I think you feel this is a problem in our worlds.

I too believe we need to be a good example for our children and for younger adults. We aren't perfect and they should see that too, but we should be working to form our character to be Christ like. It is that example, "they" should see.

Great discussion. I appreciate you all.

Popular Posts