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- Apr 25, 2006
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- 18,404
THE RUMOUR MILL
'Troublemakers listen to troublemakers...' Proverbs 17:4
A conversation involving malicious chatter or rumours about other people - that's gossip. But, oh how we can love it and indulge in it every day! A quick Facebook status change here, a sneaky text there as well as lunchtime chatter and banter. Then of course there's the gossip columns, magazines and even TV and radio programmes spouting it out. It's hard to keep away from it.
A person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumours or facts - that's a gossiper. Not really something we'd want on our CV or online dating profile is it? That's because deep down, we know gossip for what it is. A weapon of mass social destruction, designed to break and tear down an individual, friendship group, or community.
The moment somebody begins to gossip stop them and ask, 'Why do I need to know this? Have you talked to the person you're talking about?' Wise up; people who gossip can't be trusted! But what does the good book say about dealing with gossip? Well, I'm glad you asked!
'Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you want junk like that in your belly?' (Proverbs 26:22 TM). 'Gossips can't keep secrets, so never confide in blabbermouths' (Proverbs 20:19 TM). 'When a leader listens to malicious gossip, all the workers get infected with evil' (Proverbs 29:12 TM). 'When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down' (Proverbs 26:20 TM).
God's word speaks the truth, so get rid of gossip before it weaves itself into the fabric of your everyday speech. '...Quit gossiping about other people's sins ... and ... Your lives will begin to glow...' (Isaiah 58:9TM).
What now? As you're chatting with your family and friends today, crack down on gossip before it even makes it out of your mouth. Refuse to give or receive gossip.
written by Bob Gass
'Troublemakers listen to troublemakers...' Proverbs 17:4
A conversation involving malicious chatter or rumours about other people - that's gossip. But, oh how we can love it and indulge in it every day! A quick Facebook status change here, a sneaky text there as well as lunchtime chatter and banter. Then of course there's the gossip columns, magazines and even TV and radio programmes spouting it out. It's hard to keep away from it.
A person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumours or facts - that's a gossiper. Not really something we'd want on our CV or online dating profile is it? That's because deep down, we know gossip for what it is. A weapon of mass social destruction, designed to break and tear down an individual, friendship group, or community.
The moment somebody begins to gossip stop them and ask, 'Why do I need to know this? Have you talked to the person you're talking about?' Wise up; people who gossip can't be trusted! But what does the good book say about dealing with gossip? Well, I'm glad you asked!
'Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you want junk like that in your belly?' (Proverbs 26:22 TM). 'Gossips can't keep secrets, so never confide in blabbermouths' (Proverbs 20:19 TM). 'When a leader listens to malicious gossip, all the workers get infected with evil' (Proverbs 29:12 TM). 'When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down' (Proverbs 26:20 TM).
God's word speaks the truth, so get rid of gossip before it weaves itself into the fabric of your everyday speech. '...Quit gossiping about other people's sins ... and ... Your lives will begin to glow...' (Isaiah 58:9TM).
What now? As you're chatting with your family and friends today, crack down on gossip before it even makes it out of your mouth. Refuse to give or receive gossip.
written by Bob Gass
