Today while I was reading Romans chapter 1 I came across something I thought was very interesting. In verse 29 I found right in the middle of all kinds of horrible sins was “whisperers”. I mean on one side of whisperers was sexual immorality and murder and on the other side was haters of God and inventors of evil things.

I am taking it that whisperers means gossips. There are many scriptures about gossip like Proverbs 26:20 which says, “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out: and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” Proverbs 11:13 says, “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.”

Yeah, gossip is a bad thing but does it deserve to be in the middle of all those horrific sins? I guess so, it is there. Ephesians 4:29 says for us to, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Gossip spreads and what was meant to be just casual conversation ends up being very destructive. It was once described to me like taking a feather pillow and tearing the end out and slinging all the feathers to the wind, they go everywhere. Fixing the harm that gossip causes is like finding all the feathers and putting them back in. Will Rogers once said, “Never miss a good chance to shut up.” I believe I will take this good advice.

alight