Dealing With the Foxes of Gossip and Slander

UV 1546/10000 Dealing With the Foxes of Gossip and Slander
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers
Romans 1 v 29

The talebearer sows strife like wood that is set on fire gives forth smoke. Just as smoke spreads in all directions carried by the wind, by word of mouth people’s lives, reputations, joy, families and well being are harmed. Scripture states that the gossip loves to hear tales and spread it about others. But this trait is hated by the Lord. It is in fact a characteristic of the enemy of our souls- to be an accuser who falsely accuses the brethren. Gossip and slander are two sly foxes that need to be trapped before it traps us.

The motive of gossip and slander is to make others look bad and in that the one who gossips will appear better. It is caused by envy and jealousy. Even lending our ears to such gossip and slander will make us equally liable. It is the pastime of the idle or busybodies. It is invariably done behind the back of the person we are speaking evil about and is therefore called “backbiting”. It is as if the foxes have attacked someone from the unsuspecting rear and ran off with a piece of his flesh. It causes much pain and harm in the lives of people.

Jesus expects us to be severe or at least truthful in judging ourselves and in being gentle and gracious in judging others. The spirit of judging others most often unjustly without giving them an opportunity to defend themselves and without any evidence amounts to taking the place of God. A “ whisperer” or a gossip monger separates close friends and sows the seed of discord. He resorts to deceit, lying and malice in order to achieve his object. People who flatter us in our presence are bound to resort to stabbing us in the back when we are absent. Such duplicity does not please the Lord and harms the fruitfulness of our lives. These foxes need to be trapped early and sent scurrying with their tails aflame lest they set lives on fire with their sordid tales.

Prateep V Philip