Besides that, they learn to be idle, gadding about from house to house; and they are not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not say.

I Timothy 5:13

From what I can find, the word “gossip” is mentioned about a dozen times in the Bible, and always in a negative context.

When we say what we should not say, and spread ugly and often untrue things about others, it hurts everyone.

Before we open mouths to share something, we might want to apply the Rotary Four-Way Test (Of the Things We Think, Say, or Do)

• Is it the truth?
• Is it fair to all concerned?
• Will it build goodwill and better friendship?
• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

If we stick to that this year, we won’t quickly be lumped in with those busybodies and gossips “who gad about from house to house … saying what they should not.

Prayer

God, help me to think before I speak, and to think how others will be affected by what I say. Amen.