“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (Proverbs 18:8)
Gossip can be a “choice morsel” that’s hard to resist. So what’s the solution? Catch yourself before you indulge in it! Ask yourself why you’ve decided to be a bearer of bad news. Is this the only way you know to establish camaraderie with others? Do you enjoy being the center of attention? Does it make you feel superior to know something negative about somebody that the listener doesn’t know? Are you envious of the subject’s accomplishments? Why are you willing to use the temple of God as a “rubbish bin” by receiving gossip? (see 1 Corinthians 6:19).
What do you plan to do with what a gossiper told you? Are you bored and need more significant activities? People who know their God-given purpose in life and are committed to it find they don’t have time for gossip. So if you’re serious about eliminating it from your life, wage an all-out war against it.
Let everyone know you won’t be the bearer or hearer of “choice morsels” anymore. Declare your environment at work, at home, at church, or at play to be a “gossip-free zone”, and make every effort to avoid gossip mongers. Solomon writes, “A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers” (Proverbs 20:19).
When your tongue is used as an instrument of righteousness, your stock in heaven rises. You’ll be able to humbly declare with complete dependence on the Father, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Bottom line: don’t gossip!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me watch and control my mind, my words and my ears! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
