Scrutiny… it’s just another word for gossip. Why? Because we are under the eyes of a scrutinizer. When we start out our conversations do they end up scrutinizing someone for their behavior? But in actuality, we are the ones that are behaving in a un-godly fashion.
By gossiping, we are allowing the foothold of the enemy in our thoughts and words. If there is anyone who thinks that they are above gossiping, it is not the truth. The truth is that everyone is someone’s judge. We judge other people’s actions and think our ways are better. But are they? Maybe in each person’s sight, we are a vehicle for their wrath. We need to check in on what we are doing as well. Not one is free from this and we all do some sort of judging. But when it’s taken to a place where it could severely damage someone’s reputation then this needs to stop.
Proverbs 18:8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.
Gossip destroys relationships
One person may say one thing and a fire is let loose in it’s path, others get on board. Now you have a flame that’s out of control over something that could have been resolved just by a conversation to clarify everything.
Proverbs 26:20
Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.
Many families & friendships split because there are divisions that were misunderstood and “me” focused. “Look what they did to me?” -“Why did they say that to me?” Are just a few of things that can get blown out of proportion. Something misunderstood could be quite simple and pride rears its ugly head. Learning to let go is better than harping on it or blowing it out of context, like the storm that brings in the rough surf. No control just damaging waves.
Proverbs 16:28
A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.
Gossip prevents us from relationships
When you gossip and someone finds out you break confidence and trust. Now what seemed to be a good relationship is on edge with how much you will reveal. The lesson is this, if someone is gossiping to you, they are gossiping about you. So be careful who you let into your deep thoughts.
Proverbs 11:13
A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Gossip just hurts
If someone finds out that things were revealed to someone else that’s hurtful and can really take time for someone else to regain trust again. Sadly the lesson is learned in a hurtful way. You lose confidence in someone you thought you had trust in.
1 Corinthians 2:15
The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments,
Gossip does nothing but hurt others, puts wedges between people and many times is not healthy. Ultimately God is our judge, it is He who judges us and our actions. Trust God, pray for everything.
Shalom
Nancy
The Christian Writer
