“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
To quote a famous theologian, “You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me.” Ok, Maybe Taylor Swift isn’t a theologian. This is a pretty good look at how gossip travels. It can be deadly and very insidious. Occasionally harmless and at times, when not considering the potential damage it can cause, even entertaining. Here Solomon reminds us that it is never ok with God. As with anything God is not ok with we can be assured there is no useful place in His followers story for it. It cheapens the gossiper, the hearer as well as the subject of the gossip. The dictionary defines it this way, “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.” Did you see that part about not being confirmed as true? There is a thin line between lying about someone and speaking information that has no business being shared or repeated. Neither is ok. It is very often painful. Another characteristic of gossip is what the writer refers to in this verse. It often becomes a part of us. We hear it and cannot unhear or forget it. Even when it’s not true it often shades our view of the person gossiped about. It also gets lodged in our heart and becomes a part of our life as well. Gossip serves no one, helps no one and hurts everyone. It breaks up friends, companies and robs potential. Today don’t share it and walk away from those who do. #BeTheEdge
“‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people. “ ‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:16 NIV
