Bible Verses to Explore: Proverbs 11:13
Proverbs 11:13 has a serious warning for us. This verse says, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.”
Do you think that if you don’t listen to gossip you will be left out, called names, or be the next one talked about behind your back?
Sadly, if you listen to gossip, you will repeat what you hear sooner or later and that will earn you a reputation of being a person that can’t be trusted when it really counts.
How can you avoid listening to or participating in gossip sessions?
Try on this plan for size:
Talk to your closest friends. Promise each other to only say things that will build
each other up, not tear each other down.
When someone begins to talk about someone who isn’t in the room, politely but firmly tell that person you don’t want to hear rumors or gossip.
Choose carefully what you read and watch on TV. That will help make your mind more sensitive to gossip more able and willing to avoid it.
Choose trustworthy people to be your closest friends. Sooner or later you will want to confide in each other. Make sure you are worthy of each other’s trust by not gossiping with or about each other.
Think before you speak. Be sure your motive for repeating something that you’ve heard is pure, not just to get attention or a reaction.
If you heed the warning of Proverbs 20:19 – “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.” – and follow this anti-gossip plan, you will be able to keep your reputation as a trustworthy person intact.
Thanks for coming! Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father, help us to guard our words and protect our trustworthy reputation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Come again!
God bless!
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