(Prov 26:22 CEV) There is nothing so delicious as the taste of gossip! It melts in your mouth.
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” Here Solomon continues to teach us about gossip. Actually, as I thought about it, this word convicted me; it was something I needed to hear. Just like it convicted me, I pray it convicts, convinces, and helps to convert many others.
Gossip boils down to sharing information that is not or should not be public knowledge, and then sharing it in a pseudo-secretive way. The problem with this type of information is the fact that, like Solomon says, it seems “delicious.” Hearing gossip is like eating a delicacy. A delicacy is something that only a priviledged few are able to eat and gossip comes across like something only a priviledged few are able to hear. Just like many people crave the delicacy, there is no shortage of people who crave the information (gossip). But there are many problems with gossip. Most of the time the information is slanderous and unsubstantiated. Even in the cases where the information is true, it is often hurtful and damaging. Gossip has a way of stirring up strife and contention, which are both things that we, as believers, should seek to avoid.
Not only can gossip be damaging to the person whom the gossip is about, it can also be damaging to the person who receives it and shares it. While the gossip melts in your mouth, it also gets down into your heart. Our eye and ears are the gates to our soul. We must be very careful what we allow to get through our gates, because whatever does, eventually gets down into our heart. Earlier in Provbers Solomon said, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” If our heart (our inner man) determines the course of our life, and it does, then we must be ever-careful to protect our inner man from unrighteous influences and filthy input. You know the old adage: garbage-in, garbage-out. This clearly applies to our heart. We simply cannot allow our mind to stray or remain idle, our emotions to fluctuate unchecked, our will to choose what we know is wrong, our spirit to wander without direction, and our gates (eyes and ears) to be flooded with nonsensical gossip that will not produce anyting good.
So what does this mean to you today?
1. Resisting gossip is not easy: I will be honest with you and admit that this word “cut” me this morning. I love a “juicy” story just as much as the next person, but I realize that I must keep my conversation upright before God and so must you. Solomon’s analogy is right. It is as hard to refuse to listen to rumors/gossip as it is to turn down a delicious dessert. Taking just one morsel of either creates a desire for more.
2. Make a quality decision that will protect yourself and others: Resisting gossip at all costs is a quality decision. The best way to do it is the same way a determined dieter resists candy; by determining to never open the box! This way your heart is shielded from the filth and others are shielded from the slander.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for Your Word this morning. Your Word often cuts me and teaches me what I should and should not do. I have been warned again gossip this morning and I declare, by faith, that I will resist the urge to splurge into seemingly juicy rumors and gossip. I protect my eye and ear gates. I keep my conversation pure, my reputation intact, and my witness solid. I will only share what should be shared, in ways that are acceptable and never harmful to anyone. I will not allow corrupt communication to proceed from out of my mouth and I will only share those things which are good, that it may minister grace to the hearers. I will use my lips to build up and never tear down. As I do I will shine as light in the midst of darkness! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
