Mind your Business - Quit Gossiping

Have you ever had a conversation with some people and all of a sudden the topic of discussion focuses on discussing other people, their situation, or their activities? I often at times wonder why a lot of people enjoy discussing (gossiping)  about others.  Some say it is human nature to always want to gossip about others. Human nature? Alright; maybe they are right. The question now is: should this be the nature of the redeemed of the Lord - Christians? I believe one of our guides, the bible, provides the answer to this question.

Before I discuss what the bible says about gossiping, what are the reasons why one person, or a group of people, gossip about others? One of the reason I found that gives rise to gossips is "JEALOUSY." When people become jealous of others, they try to talk negatively about them. They point out all their faults so that those who think of such individuals as good will all of a sudden pay more attention to their faults. Another reason why people gossip is as a result of "ENVY." For example, people gossip about a worker who has just been promoted in their place of work. They discuss on why the individual should not have been promoted, and that instead, they ought to have been promoted. Also, we find people gossip about newly ordained ministers of God in church. They become envious of the chosen of God, just like Joseph's brothers were jealous of him (Genesis 39). This will then cause them to gossip - sometimes consciously, and other times unconsciously.

So what does the bible say about the subject - GOSSIP?

• God does not like Gossipers: Our Savior is not pleased with those who spend, or waste, the precious time He has given unto them to gossip. His breath in us is not to be used to bring others down. We are called to encourage other. We are to be instruments of "Good News" and not of bad news. We are called to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." (Mark 16:15)."

"Do not go about spreading slander among your people..." Leviticus 19:16

• Gossips should not be found amongst believers: In the book of 1st Corinthians 12:20, Paul discussed his fears for the church. He said he was scared he would find gossip, amongst other acts, in the church. It is quite unfortunate that Paul's fear is becoming a reality in some churches today but I know that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Amen. (Matthew 16:18). Paul also urges us to "be reverent in the way we live, and not to be slanderers." (Titus 2:3). Also, James 4:11 says "Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it." Therefore, as bothers and sisters in Christ, we are not expected to gossip around. 

• Do not associate yourself with those who gossip: There is a proverb I love so much. It says "show me your friend and I will tell you who you are." A lot of times, we find ourselves associated with various people with different backgrounds and beliefs. Sometimes we do not have control over those we associate with at the very beginning because of various factors. For example, you might be told to team up with people who love to gossip in your workplace or even church. Many at times, these individuals are assigned to you, and you have no choice but to work with them. If such is the case, the best thing to do will be to not partake in gossiping. While they gossip, focus your attention on something else. It is okay to think about the wonderful meal you will eat later that day, the beautiful family you have, or your favorite sport team. Do anything that would keep your attention away from their discussion. 

"A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much." Proverbs 20: 19

• Watch the words that proceed out of your mouth: It is important to be mindful of the words that proceeds out of our mouths. Proverbs 18:21 says: "The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences." Also, Proverb 10:19 says "Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut." Being mindful of what comes out of one's mouth can save one from trouble.

"Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble." Proverbs 21:23. 

In addition, the words that come out of our mouths can either make or break a person. It is better to use our mouth to encourage others and not to bring them down. 

"Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." Ephesians 4:9

In conclusion, as believers of Christ, we ought to set a guard over our mouth, and this can only be done easily if we ask the one who created our mouths - God - to help us. 

"Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3

Be mindful of what you say. It is not everything the eye sees, or the ear hears that the mouth ought to discuss. Don't be a fool. 

"...slandering others makes you a fool." Proverbs 10:18