Journal Prov 18 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.” Prov 18:8
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” Prov 18:8 NIV
Observation: Who has a distinct and definite definition of what Gossip is?
I don’t.
Analysis: Gossip.
Let me begin preaching to myself that this is a subject, once I think I have it nailed down, that a circumstance presents itself in conversation and my definition of gossip slithers away.
What makes speaking in supposed concern for another OK and not gossip? Is it just the function of repeating something to another person?
When does talking about something that is public knowledge (like a Facebook posting) become gossip (if it ever does)?
Today, I am throwing this out there for thinking and consideration.
I am not going to jump into this pit and try to make a “teaching” out of it.
Bluntly, gossipers know when they are gossiping. They may try to hide it with other “concerns” or rationalizations, but…they know…
The above scripture clearly says:
- Whisperers, whisper. “Keep this to yourself” is a preamble to a CLUE!
- Gossip is delicious, tasty, delightful. I like it, I swirl it around in my thoughts, saying to myself, “I know something about…” and it is good.
- Gossip is satisfying (“…goes down to the inmost parts…”), you know, like a juicy cheeseburger when I am on a strict diet or a piece of succulent cake with tons of frosting.
All I have are clues to what gossip is. I have tried to come up with a “teaching” for gossip, and I have failed to get a “shut down” definition.
From a practical point of view, best thing I have come up with is (like what is a redneck), is:
- “If it is none of my business, it is gossip.”
- “If it makes me wonder about the character of another, it is gossip.”
- “If I can’t turn away from another person’s speech, it is gossip.”
- “If I am glad nobody is talking about my secrets that way, it is gossip.”
- “If I want to repeat it, it is gossip.”
Do you want to start a heated discussion? Either bring up the Doctrine of Election or try to get a group to define Gossip.
Prayer: Thank you, Most High God, for tickling me with this scripture today.
Help me to keep my mouth shut and be thought a fool, or to open it and be proved a fool.
Amen.
Ricky Two Shoes