Stop It!

My sister, “Sis,” was an outstanding piano player and could imitate many pianists with her skills and talents. She also authored many hymns and gospel courses and was well-known for her talents and love for the Lord. She was part of several evangelist teams that were popular years ago. Everyone loved “Sis” for her music, sense of humor, and keen insights.

Whenever she became bored with someone who talked too much, she would ask politely, “What would you say if you could not talk about yourself?”

Her question would usually end the “talkers” talking and bring the conversation to an abrupt end. It would force the “talker” to realize what was being said and the conversation would soon end because that person had nothing worth talking about or listening to.

“Without wood, a fire goes out, without gossip a quarrel dies down,” said Solomon. All too often quarrels go on endlessly because those involved in the dispute are not listening to what the other person is saying. Beyond that, they usually are not listening to what they are saying, either. Neither has any idea of what they are saying to the other. So, the best way to stop a quarrel is to stop “talking trash!” Gossip is nothing more than rotting trash.

James offers some great advice: “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider that a great forest can be set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person…”

Without gossip, quarrels end, and sanity can return.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to control our tongues by filling our minds with Your teachings, our hearts with Your love, wisdom, grace, comfort, and peace to share with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 26:20 Without wood, a fire goes out, without gossip a quarrel dies down.