“When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” Proverbs 10:19
It’s pure statistics. The more words we utter, the more likely it is that some of those words will be ill-spoken. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 encourages us to aspire to live quietly, minding our own affairs. I love the King James Version’s translation – that we “study to be quiet.” Sounds like sage advice to me. Quiet is something to be studied and aspired toward.
I’m going to go out on a limb and say something that is hard for most of us to hear. Here goes: People who talk a lot, especially those whose talk often includes gossip, slander, or just generally negative and unsavory conversation are to be either confronted or avoided. They are dangerous and toxic, and part of their problem is that they are typically clueless (or at least they act as if they are) to the negative impact they have on those around them. One of the most loving things we can do for them (and us) is not take part in this behavior. This is so hard, though, isn’t it? Especially where family and very close friends are involved.
Another reason such individuals are dangerous is because of the impact they have within communities. It is difficult to create a safe place for people to live and grow together when everyone knows they are subject to gossip and slander behind their backs. Say what you want to, but everyone knows that, more often than not, people who gossip to you will also gossip about you. Who is going to be vulnerable in such an environment? Not me. We’ve got to do better, friends.
Proverbs 17:4 says, “An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.” We are not even to listen to it, much less participate. If we are willing to listen to someone tear down our brother or sister, what does that say about us?
I personally want no part of it, but I will admit that it is hard, because people who claim to be Christians engage in negative speak about others all the time. Let’s endeavor to be part of the solution – to speak up, to leave a room, to do whatever it takes to have no part in this. We can do it – together.
