Gossipers

by W. C. Hinton

After denouncing tattlers and gossipers, the apostle immediately defines what he means by a “busybody.” He says that they speak “things which they ought not.” In other words, they misuse their tongues! (See I Timothy 5:13).

Do you ever gossip about others? Be honest now! It’s a very common sin. Many people, most (?), indulge in it. Busybodies are always repeating something that may damage someone else. The fact that the thing may be true is certainly no excuse for repeating it. Wise Solomon knew “a talebearer reveals secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter" (Proverbs 11:13). Again he observes in Proverbs 17:9, “He that covers a transgression seeks love, but he that repeats a matter separates friends."

Let us take heed to our tongue every day and speak only that which can edify. How wise we would be to not repeat anything we hear that might injure some brother or sister in Christ! Better yet, let us not even listen to gossip! We very probably do not know all the facts or circumstances and are in a poor position to make competent judgments. Just think of all those things in our own lives that would not sound good if blazed abroad to any and every soul!

The word “tattler” actually means a “bubbler,” in the sense of gushing out everything. Gossip is a greater sin than stealing, for goods stolen can be returned, but evil speaking robs men of their good name, character, or reputation — such that often can never be recalled. What troubles could be avoided in the home, among friends, and in the church if all “loose tongues” could be stopped? We, like David, should say: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalms 141:3).