Ecclesiastes 10 highlights the contrast between wisdom and folly. A little foolishness can ruin much good, and wise behaviour leads to success, while folly causes downfall. It warns of the consequences of reckless speech, poor leadership, and laziness, emphasising the value of thoughtful actions.
Gossip
Ecclesiastes 10:20 (MSG): “Don’t bad-mouth your leaders, not even under your breath, and don’t abuse your betters, even in the privacy of your home. Loose talk has a way of getting picked up and spread around. Little birds drop the crumbs of your gossip far and wide.” In our conversations, we often hold the power to uplift or undermine one another. While our words can be vessels of love and care, they can also wreak havoc when misused. Speaking about someone in their absence, regardless of whether the statements are true or false, can quickly devolve into gossip. This insidious behaviour can lead to profound hurt for those being talked about.
Gossipers’ Focus
Gossipers often focus on the faults and failures of others or share sensitive, potentially embarrassing details without consent. Even if they do not intend to harm, their actions contribute to a toxic atmosphere. Romans 1:29-32 (EASY) “They only think about wrong and bad things that they want to do. They want many things for themselves. They want to hurt other people. They are always jealous of other people. They kill people. They quarrel and fight with people. They are not honest or kind. They say silly things about other people. They tell lies about people. They hate God. They insult other people. They are proud and they say how important they are. They think of many ways to do bad things. They do not obey their parents. They do not understand what is right. They do not do what they have promised to do. They do not love anyone and they are not kind to anyone. These people understand God’s message about what is right. They know that people who do bad things like this ought to die. But they still continue to do those bad things. They are even happy when other people do those bad things too.”
Gossip thrives on jealousy and malice, breeding negativity and division. It reveals a lack of kindness and understanding, leading to quarrels and hurtful words. Such behaviour not only affects the subjects of gossip but also the gossiper, creating a cycle of discord. Ephesians 4:31-32 (EASY) “Do not be jealous of other people. Do not become angry or shout at them. Do not quarrel with other people or insult them. Do not do anything or say anything that will hurt other people. Instead, help one another and be kind to each other. Forgive one another. Remember that God has forgiven you because of what Christ has done.”
In light of these truths, we must take care to guard our tongues and avoid the pitfalls of gossip. Instead of contributing to harmful chatter, let us focus on encouraging one another. Our conversations should reflect kindness and grace, as we remember the forgiveness we have received. Proverbs 21:23 (ESV): “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
By choosing to speak life and blessings into our conversations, we can cultivate a community rooted in love and respect. Let us commit to uplifting one another rather than tearing each other down.