Is it wrong to listen to someone’s private conversation?
Question:
I've had a problem with eavesdropping on conversations between my parents. They've been going through some issues spiritually and out of concern, I've often gone out of my way to listen in through the wall.
I will admit there have been other times I've done this out of curiosity even when I knew the conversation was private or about a sensitive subject.
I've grappled with this because I'm not trying to gossip about what I hear, but at the same time if I know they wouldn't want me to be listening, Am I sinning by doing so? I'm not talking about overhearing something due to proximity, but rather going out of my way to listen. Is this sinful? If it is, do I need to tell them that I've secretly done this? Would this be violating their privacy and the integrity of the conversation?
Answer:
Let's look at this the other way around. How would you like it if your parents listened in on your conversations with your girlfriend? How would you feel if they went through your phone -- not because they suspected that you were doing something wrong, but simply because they were curious?
"Treat others the same way you want them to treat you" (Luke 6:31).
Since you are not using what you are learning, I cannot clearly lay out a case that you are doing something wrong but I think we can say that the action is impolite.
People tend to speak more frankly when they believe no one else is listening. They don't take the time to consider their words and how they might be received. Thus, you are likely to hear things that will upset you. "Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you. For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others" (Ecclesiastes 7:20-21).
Do you have to tell your parents you were listening to their private conversations? No, because you have created no harm since you kept what you heard to yourself. However, if your mother asks if you were listening in on their conversation, then you have to be honest.
It is best, therefore, to stop listening in on conversations you were not invited to join. Curiosity is not a good reason for doing it.
Response:
Thank you. I definitely was not being considerate or respectful by doing so, I will correct this.
