Sticks and Stones - 14 - A Better Way to Listen
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Read two first paragraphs p. 89
Why does a tribe like the Ashanti, who were not Christian still have such harsh punishment for such a sin?
What does this tell you about the problem of Gossip? “It’s not just relevant to God’s people, it’s something that reaches further.”
The point of this chapter is summed up pretty much at the beginning.
A select few verses support his point… Let’s read them
What the Bible Says...
What the Bible Says...
Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets;
Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.
An evildoer gives heed to false lips;
A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.
The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps.
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.
What is the main point here? Really the author is trying to show through these scriptures that listening to gossip is unwise or foolish, evil, hurtful, and just plain dangerous.
Do you think these verses apply to that statement? Were there any of these verses that you read that stuck out to you in any way as being important regarding the subject manner?
Let’s talk about the first one in a little more depth along with some similar verses surrounding it:
Proverbs 26:17-22
He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
Is the man who deceives his neighbor,
And says, “I was only joking!”
Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.
Some call this: “The Portrait of a Busybody.” (NAC)
These proverbs discuss anyone who involves themselves in the affairs of others, who spreads gossip, or is a general source of mischief.
Metaphors of violence and destruction dominate this text since these qualities characterize the aftereffects of the busy body
Verse 17 could be translated, “Like one who seizes the ears of a passing dog is the one who meddles.” Busybodies cannot resist the temptation to inject themselves into private disputes, and they have no excuse for being surprised at the violent outbursts that are sure to follow.
Verses 18–19 could be taken to condemn any kind of antics (such as modern practical jokes played on a groom on his wedding day). While practical jokes can be destructive and hurtful, the larger context here implies that such may not be precisely the nature of the deceit implied here. Rather, this is a person who enjoys gossiping about or tampering with the affairs of other people. Such a person will purposefully confuse others and engage in a kind of social disinformation. When called to account, he or she will treat the whole thing as a game and be oblivious to all the hurt such actions created.
Have you ever met a person who just likes to mess with people? How does that make you feel when you are at the end of that type of joking? A good question to ask ourselves about it is, does it glorify God and represent what a Christian ought to stand for?
Verses 20–21 describe the slanderer as the fuel that maintains quarrels. In the absence of such a person, old hurts can be set aside, and discord can die a natural death. Even so, we often find a juicy tidbit of defamation irresistible.
Verse 22 is a direct warning to the reader. Gossip makes its way to the innermost being of the hearer; that is, it corrupts the soul.
The author gives some ways to steer a conversation away from such topics. Read p. 92 “Questions for the talebearer”
What are some other ways to handle a converstaion that seems to be dipping into this territory, or maybe it just blantantly is gossip?
What would you do if someone did/said some of these things to you?
Guilty by association...
Guilty by association...
So there is another argument made by the author I woud like to discuss tonight. It’s guilt by associaton.
Two bits of biblical evidence he brings up for discussion:
Romans 1:28-32 The condemning section comes in at verse 32. “approve of those who practice” -
Does listening without saying anything approve of this? The difference here between normally just listening to somone’s life story and you listening to gossip, is gossip is a two party event. When you listen to it and do not end it you are now participating in this person’s gossip. You may not be a gossiper, but you are allowing them to gossip by providing the avenue. This makes you an enabler to sin.
Do you agree with that assesment or not? Why?
If that is not “Approval” what is?
The second is an example that is given about the Apostle Paul when he was still young Saul.
Acts 7:54-8:1
What does it mean Saul was “consenting” to his death. How? It obviously doesn’t mean he threw the rocks.
What did Saul do?
Why does Acts thus accuse Saul of taking part in this then?
Accessory -
So if you drive the car for bank robbers, but you do not point a gun at anyone nor do you participate in the bank robbing itself are you guilty of the crime? Accessory to the crime.
If your friend murders someone, and you help him bury the body, do you have part in that crime?
These may not be guilt for the crime, but there definately is guilt! What Paul argues, is that those who commit the crime (Sin) and those who are approving of it are both worthy of death.