MamaArcher's Blog

The Gossip Line

Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. (Proverbs 17:9-10)

I have been pondering these verses the last few days, since the Lord brought them to my attention. No one is perfect, least of all me, I have never claimed to be. I am, however, an individual of self- evaluation. I am constantly evaluating my life, my actions, and my motives. I strive to live in obedience to Christ in all things. Yet, I have failed over and over again. Each failure shows me my continued need for my Savior. The truth is, we all fail. As Christians we are to spur one another on to good deeds, but we are also to hold each other accountable and to rebuke our brothers and sisters in Christ so that they might come to repentance when they sin.

If an individual is one of understanding as mentioned in verse 10, the rebuke will go deep causing them to evaluate their life in light of scripture. If repentance is needed they will do so. The fool can receive a hundred blows without impacting their life in such a way as to bring about repentance, but one of understanding will evaluate their life at a single rebuke to see if they are indeed living in obedience to the Lord.

Does holding one accountable conflict with what is said above about covering up of an offense? Of course not! This is not meant as a “cover-up” and to look the other way. The rest of the verse explains what is meant. When rebuking another who is in sin there are guidelines in scripture; they are provided in the book of Matthew. We are not to over look sin in such a way that it is ignored; but are to deal with it biblically. We are not to spread that sin around and make it known to just anyone and everyone. Simply put, we are not to broadcast another’s sin or failings. This is not the scriptural way to deal with sin and offenses, whether real or perceived.

Unfortunately there are many ways to spread gossip today. There are conversations in person, telephone, email, and even blogging. We must be careful exactly what we say and to whom. If we are dealing with a situation and are in need prayer and support, that can be achieved. I am not saying we do not need confidants or not to seek godly wisdom. Things can be shared without all of the “juicy details” given and discretion is required from whom we seek this council. One of the most common ways that Christians tend to spread gossip is in the form of a simple prayer request. We must guard our words and how much we share with others and it must never have malicious motives. This is an area where self evaluation is needed in abundance.

In essence, we are to handle things according to the word and not according to the gossip line. If there is an issue, present it with scripture to the individual rather than gossiping with others about it. If they are with understanding, the Spirit will move them to self-evaluation. If repentance is indeed required they will do so. If they are devoid of understanding, to continue would merely be wasting blows upon the fool.