Fragment: Gossip and Rumors

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
 
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down to the chambers of the belly” (Prov. 18:88The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (Proverbs 18:8)).
Even if such words spoken are all true (which is rarely the case), they are in every respect injurious and fall under the censure of evil speaking. They lack a moral object or a loving way (see Philippians 4:88Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)) and thus are, at best, gossip. For the most part, it is the mere indulgence of talking of things which right feeling would conceal. Such speaking inflicts wounds which pierce very deep and where they are least curable. “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city” (Prov. 18:1919A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. (Proverbs 18:19)).
W. Kelly (adapted)