Whispers of Gossip

• "The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they do down into the inner parts of the body." ESV
• "Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one's heart." NLT (New Living Translation)
• "Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?" The Message

What comes to your mind as you read these 3 versions of this verse?

I felt sad thinking about gossip I've heard over the years. Think about it - those words go deep into your heart.

Those words can cause anxiety/stress which can cause disease. The ESV says it goes into the inner parts of the body. Sinking deep into one's heart means it gets into the mind.

When you hear gossip about someone, how do you then feel about that person?  Or, if you gossip about someone, what does that do to your heart, your mind?  Do you really want junk like that in your heart and mind? I do not.   It's important to stop the person who is talking and tell them you don't want to hear it.  And, think about the negative talk that has gone on during the recent presidential election - wow - talk about negative stuff getting in our hearts! It's why I choose not to watch the news. I had not watched news in many years and then watched during the election. It didn't take long until I realized I didn't want to hear what was being said - such negativity!

I invite you to really take this verse to heart and to be very careful what you listen to and what you say.  And, even if you don't speak it to someone, if you have the thoughts, that also does damage to the heart/mind.   Pray about it. Search your heart as to why you feel the way you do about that person. What is it in you that is causing those feelings?  Is there a jealousy, an envy, have they hurt you in some way?  It's so important to forgive them and forgive yourself. Release it and hand it over to God. The devil will do what he can to bring it back up - keep talking to God about it. Pray for that person - this has been one of the best ways for me to let go of hurt feelings, etc.

Proverbs 18:21:

• "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
• "The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences." NLT
• "Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose." The Message

I invite you to choose wisely.