avoiding gossip

Today in our reading from the One Year Bible, we read from Proverbs 20:19. The writer tells us to avoid gossip, because they go around telling secrets.

Why is that bad? Well, because of the value of a good name. In today's society, we don't always keep in mind how important a good name is. A reputation these days can be avoided just through anonymity. Unless you live in a small town (which many of you might), what you do from one job to the next, or one relationship to another, might not follow you these days.

But the value of a good name is still important. When someone trusts us, it's an honor that we need to take seriously. And one little lie or half truth spoken in gossip can ruin or damage that reputation. It can cause people to lose their trust in one another.

You might wonder what you should do if someone starts gossiping. Some people take it upon themselves to tell the gossiper that it's wrong and they should not do that. If you're comfortable doing that, then maybe that's your answer. For me, I find it more conversational and less confrontational to simply change the subject. When the gossiper begins to notice that you don't join in, and you change the subject when they start, then they usually give up gossiping to you.

In any case, the writer of proverbs is right. We should avoid gossip. If they saying this to YOU, what might they be saying ABOUT you behind your back?

God, thank You for teaching us to avoid gossip. Help us to do so in love.