They Said

You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. (Psalm 119:65-72 ESV). The following verse from and unknown author seems to express the root of most gossip: Have you heard of the terrible family They, And the dreadful venomous things They say? Why, half the gossip under the sun, If you trace it back, you will find begun In that wretched House of They. No one is immune from the attacks of slander and gossip. If somebody says, “I hope you won’t mind me telling you this,” it’s pretty certain you will. One of the best ways to end a rumor is to ask if you may quote the individual passing it along. If the person says no, it’s possible that the rumor is just idle talk. If the person answers yes, you should contact the gossip’s subject to verify the story you heard. Also, if you like to spread news about others, ask yourself if you would want someone to quote you. A negative answer is a good sign you should keep your lips sealed on the matter. And a positive response should lead not to back-fence reporting but to up-front confronting. I have seen an acrostic that is a wonderful reminder of how we ought to measure our words. It is a simple formula that will help anyone from consciously gossiping about someone. It is based on the word “THINK”: • T — Is it true? Before you repeat anything told to you, determine whether it really is true. • H — Is it helpful? Even when something is true, it may not be helpful to repeat it. Sometimes the most hurtful things are done and said in the spirit of “constructive criticism.” • I — Is it inspiring? Do your words convey the Spirit of Christ? • N — Is it necessary? There are those times when words are necessary, although I’ve found that when they are, they will always pass the first three of these tests. • K — Is it kind? And, last, regardless of the content of the words, be kind with them. The arrogant people the psalmist confronted ought to be a strong reminder that we must guard our words! THINK before you speak! Don’t be a part of that group called “they.”