Monday, May 13, 2019

About Talebearing and Gossip

Last March my husband and I faced a challenge which was bad enough to cause me to go through something like the stages a person goes through when a loved one dies.  These stages are shock, denial, sadness, anger and then acceptance.  But this challenge came from people it should not have come from, that being not only fellow Christians, but also neighbours.

The challenge was that a private matter between us was taken by them to the leaders of the little church we attend.  Emails were shared and charges made against us, but of course, the whole story was not told.   My husband and I were told that we had to meet with the leaders of the church due to this "matter of concern".   My husband answered that this was a private matter between us and had nothing to do with the church and that we would not be meeting with anyone, and we made the decision to keep our mouths closed regarding this matter, that we would not be talking to anyone about it and that we would trust the Lord to carry us through.  As the months have passed since then, there have been no problems for us at the church, and in fact, the couple involved have left.

What does the bible say about talebearing and gossip?  How are Christians supposed to respond?  After this happened I read the book of Proverbs and it has much to say on the subject:

Proverbs 13:3 "He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."

Proverbs 18:8 "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."

Proverbs 18:10 "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Proverbs 10:19 ".....he that restraineth his lips is wise."

Proverbs 11:9 "An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered."

Proverbs 11:12-13 "He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.  A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful sprit concealeth the matter."

There are many more verses regarding this matter, the wisdom of keeping one's mouth closed.

I am sharing  about this because if you ever find yourself in a similar situation,  follow the words of Proverbs, trust the Lord, keep your mouth closed and wait until it passes.  It will be difficult, but the Lord will carry you through.

_________________________
vcg

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