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.
@Quabynah
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