DON’T BE A TATTLER

1Timothy 5:13 WEB
Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

Dear Believer,

You will do yourself a lot of good if you let the Spirit of God help you to be disciplined in speech.

The people referred to in the passage above were women, but the principle applies to everyone.

When a person talks too much, he ends up saying things he ought not so say.

Jesus is our perfect example in this. A mob once tried to get Him involved in a matter that had to do with a woman caught ‘in the very act’ of adultery. The woman was to be stoned. Jesus was told, “Moses the Prophet asked us to stone adulteresses, what do you say?”

Jesus taught us here by His action that we should be ‘quick to listen and slow to speak.’ He took His time, even under pressure, and when He spoke, He did so in few words full of wisdom. He deescalated the situation and a life was spared. (Be sure to read John 8:1-11).

Some Believers think they have to say something about everything. And worse still, some go around speaking about matters that aren’t their concern.

James 1:26 WEB
If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

Dear Believer, don’t be known for garrulousness. Never be a tattletale or the one who shares other people’s secrets.

Worthless words can endanger the soul.

Proberbs 13:3 KJV
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

There are dangerous people who want to trap you in your words. They tried it with Jesus, but failed.

Mark 12:13 ULB
Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to him to trap him with words.

Do not get involved in every conversation. When it is necessary to speak, learn to think deep and even pray before doing so. Don’t speak when you are likely to say the wrong thing, like when you are angry.

Try not to speak when you are under pressure. Don’t even be so eager to speak about some things when you are very happy; that’s one of the easiest times to commit blunders in words. Don’t join others in gossips.

James 3:2 VW
For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a flawless man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Above all, fill your heart with the Word of God and His wisdom, for as Jesus said, “Out of the abundance in the heart does the mouth speak.” (Luke 6:45).

Have a great week.

Your friend,
Deon.