Proverbs 16:28 (KJV) Says, "A froward man seweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.' Proverbs 18:8 (KJV) Says, "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." Proverbs 11:13 (KJV) Says, "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he who is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter." 1 Timothy 5:13 (KJV) Says, "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." Proverbs 21:23 (KJV) Says, "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."
The above verses of scripture taken from the book of Proverbs tell us that a man that is contrary or difficult to get along with sews strife, and that a person who goes about whispering secrets about others separates, not just friends, but the best of friends. These verses further advise us that a talebearer's words are like wounds, and most if not all of us have been wounded by the words of a talebearer. We are also advised that a talebearer reveals secrets, but that people who are of a faithful spirit keep what others have confided in them; or the things they have heard about others; to themselves. We are also advised that people who do not go about spreading gossip and tale toting keep their souls from trouble. The above verse of scripture taken from 1st Timothy talks about people who have idle time on their hands, and opt to use it to go from place to place spreading gossip, tattling, and tale toting. This scripture clearly labels these type individuals as busybodies, and makes clear that they go about sharing things that they should not be sharing.
Some people seem to thrive on gossip. When they get their hands on what they deem to be a piece of dirt on another person, they cannot wait to spread the news. Most of us know or have known someone who loves a good dirt alert, and are more than eager to share it. It doesn't matter to these type individuals whether what they are sharing is factual; not that if it were that would make it okay to share it. When people gossip, spread rumors, tattle on others, and go about tale toting they are first and foremost displeasing God with their behavior, they are also hurting other people, and making themselves look bad as well. Gossip spreads quickly, unfortunately, and as it spreads the dirt grows, and the story changes so much that in the end; nine times out of ten there is little if any truth left in it. All gossip and tale toting leaves nothing but devastation in its wake. It has destroyed marriages, personal relationships, families, friendships, professional relationships, and much more.
As born again believers in Jesus Christ we should not have the desire in our hearts to spread any form of gossip about anyone. If someone comes to us in confidence and shares something personal with us; or we hear something about another person that falls under the category of dirt alert, we should not have to be ask not to share it. We should be people that others know they can trust and confide in knowing that the result of them doing so would be us praying for them, and offering to help them in any way possible.
Just as we should not spread gossip or tote tales, we should not standby listening to anyone else do so. Silence is a form of agreement. If we find ourselves in the company of a person or a group of people engaged in active gossip; we can either politely speak up against it, or simply walk away. After you walk away from these conversations enough times; the person or people engaged in them will recognize that you are not on board with that type behavior.
I have personally witnessed how damaging it can be for people to go about spreading gossip, and stirring up strife among others. It causes extreme hurt, pain, and devastation. I urge you to keep in confidence the things others share with you, to speak up or walk away from those who are spreading gossip, and to be the man or woman God has called you to be. We are to love one another; not harm one another with our words or with any other means. If we as Christians find ourselves idle and eager to spread news, let's make it the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
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