JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Restraint from Gossip.

The practice of gossip often involves revealing secrets about others that makes them look bad. The intent of a gossiper is generally to build up themselves while tearing others down. This is destructive.

The book of Proverbs shows us how that is the case:

Proverbs 20:19 tells us that “a gossip betrays a confidence, so avoid anyone who talks too much.” This suggests that if we hear gossip, the wise decision is to move away as fast as we can and avoid participation.

Proverbs 16:28 tells us that “a gossip separates close friends.”

Proverbs 26:20 gives us incentive to avoid gossip. “Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” These verses of wisdom from Proverbs challenge us to think seriously of the words we say about other people.

Restraint from Gossip is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com