Keep Your Thoughts to Yourself

Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple (John) would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?" John 21:23  

Gossip. You can just hear the whispers going out. Pss-Whss-Pss. Did you hear that…John is going to live until Jesus returns. When will that be??? ~Whisper—Pss-Whss. Gossip. It was happening then…just like it happens now. We are given wise council in Proverbs about gossip.

A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. Proverbs 11:13 NLT

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Proverbs 16:28 NLT

Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander. Proverbs 17:4 NLT

A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don't hang around with chatterers. Proverbs 20:19 NLT

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. Proverbs 26:20 NLT

 

Paul also writes a surprising statement to the people at the church in Corinth. For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances…. 2 Corinthians 12:20.

David asked a question of the Lord…and then frankly and honestly answered it.

Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever. Psalms 15:1-5 NLT

If Jesus wanted someone to live until His return—then they would, but that is His call and no one needed to gossip about it. Refuse to gossip. Your life will be better for it—and you’ll be glad you kept your thoughts to yourself. 

RSVP:  Jesus is calling us to follow Him and lead blameless lives...free from gossip. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Lord, I’m only human, forgive me for wagging my tongue…and then rationalizing that it wasn’t gossip. Please help me to keep my thoughts to myself and to be… dignified, not a malicious gossip, but temperate, faithful in all things. 1 Timothy 3:11. I want to follow You and lead a blameless life that is pleasing to You.

Happy Birthday, Michelle! Blessings-Praises-Prayers

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.