We should keep our hearts with all diligence, for from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Therefore, we should be discriminating, as James said, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19 NIV).
You should help those who are lovers of idle talk, those who love to use idle words and speak rumors. When such people come with the intention of spreading rumors, do not let them start.
You will help them by suggesting to them that we speak only the words that edify. But to be able to do this, we must be delivered from our own curiosity.
Many Christians are so full of curiosity that they are eager to hear strange and even unclean stories. They feel good about themselves at hearing of someone else’s downfall.
They are like the hypocritical Pharisee that prayed within himself, “God I thank you that I am not as other men are.” If we are delivered from curiosity we will sin less and likewise help our brother and sister to commit less sins.
If we do not have itching ears, and do not give others an opportunity to unload on us, we will be able to keep our own mouth right before God so that it will not drain away life.
This is a serious life and death matter. May we ask God to save us from idle gossip that dissipates life.
We can damage our own life and health. However, if we keep our words and use them to edification and not to destruction, we will not suffer loss. Life will not be escaping from us.
Peter said in his epistle, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from deceitful speech” (I Peter 3:10 NIV).
“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit” (Prov. 15:4 NIV).
A gentle tongue is not overheated: it is moderate and proper in tone. With much speaking of gossip the tongue becomes heated. And when the tongue becomes overheated, it is no longer a “tree of life.”
He who delights in idle gossip is unable to supply others with life; for words of idle gossip are but a creation of an opening through which our lives are leaked away.
Power Principles for Power Living by Dwight Thompson
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dwight Thompson has become one of the most powerful evangelists of our time. Known worldwide for his legendary ability to captivate and move an audience, he has devoted his ministry to touching the lives of all those who are lost and hurting with a message of hope, found through salvation and deliverance in Jesus Christ.
The elements that make his message unforgettable include humor, compassion, deeply rooted Biblical convictions, and unique ways of illustrating the meaning of Scriptural phrases, parables, and promises.
Dwight has traveled around the world as an evangelist, preaching to millions and leading thousands of lost souls to Jesus Christ. His crusades frequently launch long-lasting revivals. With his ability to communicate the Gospel with power and charisma, he touches countless lives.
Dwight and Zonelle have been married for 51 years and have two children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Zonelle travels nation-wide with Dwight, and she is the founder of Operation STITCHES (Saving The Inner-city Through Christ’s Hope: Eternal Salvation), an outreach to inner-city children and their families.
God has given both Dwight and Zonelle a divine love for souls. He has created within the two of them an obsession for helping people transform their very existence.
Dwight and Zonelle know the worth of just one soul and are committed to continue being obedient to the calling God placed on them over 49 years ago.
Truly, Dwight Thompson is a man with a call on his life and a commitment in his heart to reach lost souls for Jesus Christ.