Gossip, Contention, And Strife by Larry Hafley

Gossip, Contention, And Strife

Larry Ray Hafley (1943-2024)

“F

   or lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down. Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife” (Prov. 26:20, 21).

 

            A gossip is to strife, quarrels, and contention as wood is to fire. Both gossip and wood are fuels. By sealing our ears and sewing our lips shut, we can smother the burning fires of gossip.

 

            The unity of a church may be destroyed by gossip. Because of gossip, love in a marriage may be replaced by suspicion and jealousy. It can divide a nation and separate brothers and best friends. Doubt and distrust reign and rule when gossip takes its political campaign from lying lips to listening ears.

 

            Not all gossip is a lie. Some of it may be the truth. The context and intent of its telling may make it injurious and sinful. Before a thing is told, one should consider the benefit and impact of it. Will the telling of it do good? Will it be helpful or harmful? Because I know it, does it need to be made known to others? “Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But in the bosom of fools it is made known” (Prov 14:33). “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly” (Prov. 15:2). “A fool’s vexation is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor” (Prov. 12:16).

 

            “The weapons of our warfare,” said Paul, “are not carnal;” that is, they are not of this world (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Spiritual weapons are not material darts and daggers. They are not sinful instruments of the hand, pen, or tongue. Gossip is not of the Spirit but of the flesh. It is earthly, sensual, satanic. Godly men do not use gossip to advance the gospel nor to prosecute error. It is the weapon of choice among spiteful, envious men who seek to undermine the influence of others while feigning love for truth and righteousness.

 

            Gossip establishes nothing of virtue and honor. It builds nothing to be admired and cherished. It provides no nourishment and sustenance for the soul. Gossip does not increase understanding and enlightenment. It does not support and strengthen the weak. It enhances neither courage nor determination.

 

            Do not assist gossip. Listening to gossip arms and enables it. Repeating it makes one an accessory to sin and spreads the poison. Turn a deaf ear to gossip lest it stain your mind and arouse distrust and resentment toward another. Gossip is presented as a dainty morsel, as dessert to the ear. However, it is trash that seeks to make your heart its garbage can.

 

            Gossip is addictive, both to the hearing and the telling faculties of man. Like strong drink and gambling, one can become “hooked” on it, unable to shake its devilish allure. “(Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.)” It is the entertainment of the idle and the cheer of the fool. Avoid it. Pass it by.