What practical steps can we take to avoid spreading gossip? Tasting the Truth Behind Proverbs 26:22 “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” (Proverbs 26:22) Why Gossip Is So Attractive • “Choice morsels” are tasty, bite-sized, and hard to refuse—exactly why whispered reports feel thrilling. • Yet what feels delicious turns bitter once it settles “to the inmost parts,” wounding hearts and poisoning relationships (cf. Proverbs 18:8). Recognize the Danger Early • See gossip for what it is: sin that God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). • Understand its fallout—broken trust, distorted reputations, disunity in Christ’s body (James 3:5-6). • Remember we must give account “for every careless word” (Matthew 12:36). Practical Steps to Shut the Door on Gossip 1. • Filter before you speak. • Ask: “Is it true? Is it mine to tell? Is it loving?” (Ephesians 4:15, 29). 2. • Slow your reactions. • “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). • A pause often kills the urge to pass along juicy news. 3. • Keep confidences sacred. • “He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles” (Proverbs 20:19). • If someone entrusts you, lock it away unless permission is granted or safety requires disclosure. 4. • Redirect conversations kindly. • Change the subject or highlight something positive about the person being discussed. • Say: “I’m not sure we have all the facts—let’s pray for them instead.” • Proverbs 17:9—“He who conceals a transgression seeks love.” 5. • Confront issues directly, not sideways. • Jesus’ pattern: “Go and show him his fault, just between the two of you” (Matthew 18:15). • Talking to a person, not about a person, stops gossip at the root. 6. • Cultivate speech that builds. • “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). • Replace idle chatter with Scripture, encouragement, and gratitude. 7. • Limit words overall. • “When words are many, sin is not absent” (Proverbs 10:19). • Silence is often the safest reply. Guard Your Listening, Too • Gossip needs ears to survive. Politely decline to be the audience (Proverbs 17:4). • If the story involves someone you know, urge the speaker to address the person directly. Build an Accountability Circle • Invite trusted believers to flag you when you drift toward gossip. • Agree on a single, simple signal—raising a finger, clearing the throat—to keep each other on track (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Lean on the Spirit’s Power • The tongue can’t be tamed by willpower alone (James 3:8). • Walk by the Spirit, and His fruit—self-control, kindness, faithfulness—keeps conversations holy (Galatians 5:22-23). Living Out the Difference When we treat every word as sacred, people feel safe around us, God’s family stays united, and our witness shines brighter. Let the next “choice morsel” stop with you, and savor the deeper satisfaction of obedience and peace. |
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