The Words Of Gossip Are Like Choice Morsels

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. Proverbs 18:8 & Proverbs  26:22 NIV

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, penned these words and God chose to include this statement in two different chapters of Proverbs. That alone emphasizes to me the importance of taking these words to heart. But even if that were not the case, I have seen, time and time again, just how destructive gossip can be.

There are a multitude of verses in God’s word that warn us about gossip, but what I like the most about this one is that it warns the listener rather than the one spreading the gossip. Here’s the thing about gossip and rumors, they are as appealing and tempting as your favorite dessert! Think about it, who doesn’t get drawn in by a juicy piece of gossip? The problem is, as the proverb says, you can’t hear gossip then dismiss it, rather it sinks deep into your mind and your heart. It will ever be there to poison your thoughts and impressions of whoever it was about, whether it was based in truth or not.

Let’s face it, if Satan handed you a glass of poison to drink, you wouldn’t be foolish enough to drink it. So he disguises it to look like something good. Either way, the result is the same, once digested, the damage has been done. So now that we’ve been warned, what’s the best thing to do? Next time someone feels compelled to share with you something negative about someone else, stop them before they finish and tell them you don’t want to hear the rest. You can simply say “Some things are better unknown.” Unless you are in a leadership position that requires you to shepherd people, you are better off not knowing about the shortcomings of others.

Guard your heart and your relationships by guarding your ears. Don’t be fooled into listening to gossip or slander no matter how it’s packaged. Even if it’s shared in the form of a prayer request. Let’s be honest, you don’t need details to lift others in prayer, not if the details cast them in a negative light. It may seem awkward to stop someone in mid-sentence but God will honor your desire keep your heart pure.