Articles
Avoiding Gossip / Blessed Is the Man Who Meditates on God
Bryan Garlock
The Bible is filled with wisdom concerning gossip, from what causes it (1 Tim. 5.13; 2 Thess. 3.11, etc.) to the consequences of it (Prov. 17.9; 20.19; 25.23, etc.). When one studies what God has revealed about our speech (James 3, etc.), it is easy to see why we must watch every word we say. Jesus taught, “The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak” (Matt. 12.35-36, ESV). If we have not given thought to our words, now is the time to do so.
There are many ways that we can prevent ourselves from spreading gossip. First, we must identify the breeding grounds for gossip. These can be anywhere from brethren sharing a meal, to sisters enjoying an innocence stroll through the park or to brethren standing around socializing after church. Simply put, gossip can happen anytime and at anyplace. This demonstrates that if we are going to avoid gossip, we must always be on guard!
Second, to ensure that our words are always proper we must consciously think before we speak. Wisdom says, “A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back” (Prov. 29.11) and James taught, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak…” (James 1.19, ESV). Often we speak whatever is on our mind without any thought to consequences. Therefore, the next time we are with brethren, no matter how slow we might need to speak or how silly we may look, stop and think: “What information am I about to spread?” “What is my motivation?” “Is this necessary that I tell?” “Would the one I’m about to speak of approve of my words?” If we cannot consciously speak properly, maybe we just need to keep our mouth shut! Scripture teaches even a fool who restrains his lips is wise (Prov. 10.8, 19; 13.3; 17.27-28; 18.7). Remember, since we will give account for every careless word, let us make sure that our words are edifying and encouraging (Eph. 4.29; 5.4).
We have examined the speaker, now what about the listener? Solomon said, “An evildoer listens to wicked lips…” (Prov. 17.4). When we give ear to the one spreading gossip we are just as guilty as the speaker! Biblical wisdom teaches, “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body” (Prov. 18.8, ESV). Let us be honest: gossip taste good! Why else do we listen to it?
As listeners, we must avoid conversations that start with key words: “Guess what so-and-so told me!” “I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but…” and “This may be gossip, but…” Obviously, there will be conversations that start with “Guess what…” and end with information about someone getting a job or in the hospital, etc. However, many times whatever follows these opening statements is gossip.
Therefore, it is important to our salvation that we choose not to listen to the careless words of others. This may require us to show disapproval. Since God hates gossip (Pro. 8.13; 6.16-19), we must not only hate it too, but also make it known that we will take no part in listening to it. Thus, no matter how awkward it may be, we must tell the gossiper that we do not want them to finish their sentence and we should express strict disapproval of their words. Such is necessary if we are to avoid hearing information that may bring undesirable consequences.
Additionally, if one insists on telling us someone’s “juicy business” then simply respond, “Let us go and see this brother and see what he has to say.” One sure way to stop gossip is to force the gossiper to go to the one they are gossiping about (cf. Matt. 18.15-17, etc.).
Furthermore, as listeners we must avoid asking for information that would require gossiping. We need to remember that if someone wants us to know something they will tell us. One way to do this is just to avoid those who have a reputation for babbling. Solomon taught, “He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip” (Prov. 20.19, NASB). We would do well to avoid the “big mouth” in the group!
Since we will give account for the words we speak and the words we choose to listen to, let us stay busy and keep ourselves out of the business of others. More importantly, let us learn to put away the sin of gossip and grow in Christ (1 Peter 2.1-3, etc.). BG
Blessed Is the Man Who Meditates on God
"Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day." (Psalm 119.97, ESV). The Psalmist beautifully describes God throughout the book of Psalms. One thing that stands out is the importance that the writer places on his meditation of his Creator. As the book opens, we immediately read, "Blessed is the man... [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1.2 ESV). Not only did he meditate on God's law which included His precepts, statutes, testimonies, and promises (Psalm 119.15, 23, 99, 148), but he also filled his mind with all that God has done, namely, His wondrous works and mighty deeds (Psalm 77.12; 119.27; 143.5). All this and more was constantly on his mind as he contemplated the overwhelming greatness of God! The Psalmist said, "Let ... the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight..." (Psalm 19.14 ESV). What about us? What are we are meditating on, and is our meditation pleasing to Him (see Phil. 4.8-9)? BG
