Gossip can be juicy and mouthwatering especially when you
are not the one being gossiped about. Refusing to listen to gossip is very
difficult as it is refusing your favorite meal. If we take one bite of either
we find ourselves craving more.
Proverbs 18:8 says this- Rumors are dainty morsels that
sink deep into one's heart (NLT).
The
words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost
parts of the belly (KJV).
Most
time when someone brings you news it is usually misrepresented, colored and
packaged in such a way as to break-up relationships and stir up trouble. As a
child growing up, I was always told that any dog that takes you a bone- will
take one from you. In translation what my parents were saying - when people
bring you news beware they will go back with anything you have contributed to
the conversation. As the verse says the words of a talebearer wounds deeply the
person being talked about, their reputation, and their integrity.
As a
person who is serious about their diet is able to resist food that is fattening
or unhealthy, so we should resist rumors. If you do not nibble on the first
bite you can’t take the second and the third bite.
In His Service,
Vilma
