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