You are in a group of friends having a grand old time, and all of the sudden Susie begins to talk about what Sally wore to school today. Gossiping and talking about other people have become a habitual part of today’s society. We all know it is wrong to do it, so how do we stop? There are 3 ways to quit. One, think about the consequences. Two, do not surround yourself by those whom you know are frequent gossipers. Three, you could change the topic if a person begins to gossip.
In the book of Proverbs, consequence is the foundation of Proverbs. Most proverbs stated have a consequence to be followed after. Also, if an individual wants to be wise, Gossip Road will eventually come to a dead end. Many proverbs hail wise men and rebuke evil men. Proverbs encourage people to be wise and to seek wisdom. Proverbs mention gossiping is not wise. All in all what Susie says about Sally says more about Susie than it does about Sally. First task is to recognize that gossiping is wrong. So, why is it wrong?
Well, The Bible says it is wrong, right? If one was to tell their comrade that they should not gossip because the Bible says so, that person would probably be next on the gossip list. The most reasonable thing to do is to use common sense to get the gossiper to reason, rather than the Bible. Maybe that person can sit their comrade down and mention gossiping damages relationships. After all that is mentioned in Proverbs; “A perverse person stirs up conflict and a gossip separates close friends” (Proverbs 16: 28).
As one can see there is an action and a consequence; this is spotted through out Proverbs. A couple more “ A wise man holds his tongue. Only a fool blurts out everything he know; that only leads to sorrow and trouble” (Proverbs 10:14). Although this is not associated exactly with gossiping; but, one can understand the consequences if one gossips. Also, one can recognize gossiping is not morally or ethically correct. It hinders good and advances harm. “Self control means controlling the tongue! A quick retort can ruin everything” (Proverbs 13:3).
Again not directly associated with gossiping; however, one needs to demonstrate self-control to keep themselves from gossiping. If one can recognizes the consequences overcome the good of gossiping he or she is on her way to stopping gossip. Now that one recognizes that gossiping is wrong, there are ways to prevent gossiping and stop strife. To begin with, there is the long way around to stop rumors; “ a gossip goes around spreading rumors while a wise man tries to quiet them” (Proverbs 11:13). This proverb is trying to demonstrate the difference between a gossiper and a wise man.
Main point being, it is hard to stop a rumor once it has been said. As Proverbs says, “ it’s hard to stop a quarrel once it starts so do not let it begin” (Proverbs 17:14). Next an individual can surround herself or himself with people who will not gossip. “Be with wise men and become wise. Be with evil men and become evil” (Proverbs 13:20). If an individual is experiencing rumors being told about he or she; there is a way to deal with that. “ Don’t tell your secrets to a gossip unless you want them to broadcast it to the world” (Proverbs 20:19).
One can stop a gossip all together by cutting off what a gossiper thrives off. Do not tell them secrets, and they cannot gossip. A proverb that goes along with that; “Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops” (Proverbs 26:20). All in all, to stop gossip or a gossiper, one must think before they do an action. Proverbs lives off the rule every action has a reaction. In certain cases, actions causes harm to oneself and others. Consequences in later time should be enough motivation to stop gossip or a gossiper.
The consequences gossip hinder good and accelerate harm. Telling tells about others can damage relationships between people. Also gossiping can cause harm to the reputation of the gossiper. Gossiping will eventually have a consequence. To stop gossiping, one must recognize that it is a harmful action. Then that person can stop rumors, surround oneself with people who do not gossip, and lastly do not tell a gossiper secrets. If you cut something off at the source it thrives on, its flame will diminish.
