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The idle tongue of gossip
R.J. Funkhauser
Thursday, November 5, 1953
The subject I discuss this week is not a delightful one. It is scandal from the idle tongue of gossip.
There are very few, if any, who have escaped the unjust punishment that has started from a gossipy tongue, and spread, like broomsedge on fire, into a groundless scandal.
Therefore, it is important that we consider these evils that affect our lives; and even though we may be helpless and defenseless against this thing that is whispered from ear-to-ear, the discussion of its destructive influence might deter some from engaging in this ruinous pastime.
Gossip is like a bit of mud that is loosened and starts to roll down a mountain. As it gains momentum, it loosens other particles of dirt and grime and stone. It increases in speed and size until it is an avalanche when it reaches the bottom, destroying villages and lives.
Gossip, even from the idle tongue of a child, has been known to avalanche into an unjustifiable scandal that caused innocent and defenseless women to be burned as witches. A whispering word from an ambitious and jealous courtesan has caused queens to be beheaded. Knowing these things, I turn a deaf ear to those who try to gain my confidence when they approach me with" "Now donāt tell a soul that I told you, but he(or she). . ." I refuse to be a party to spreading such whispered information, which is usually aimed at someoneās reputation and reputations, even the best, are but fragile things as easily destroyed as a childās bubble in the air.
Yet a stainless and good reputation is invaluable to man or woman. The New Testament gives its real value when it says A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. The man with the greatest reputation as a writer of all men who have ever lived, had too, something to say in defense of a good name when he said: "A good man and woman is the immediate jewel of their souls. (He) who steals my purse steals trash . . .But he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him, and makes me poor indeed."
So, knowing the value of a good name, I obey the person who whispers into my ear: "Now, now don't tell a soul I told you . . ." I not only "don't tell a soul." But I refuse to be the ground wire that establishes the current that would carry the "tattle-tale" with the speed of electricity.
The truth languishes and dies, but gossip, scandal, rumor, never seem to die. Bury it with people with famous names who have accomplished great and good things in life, and it will be exhumed by the scandal-mongers and passed from the mouth-to-mouth, while the truth the good men do will, in many cases, remain with their bones in the grave.
Of course, there is no way of knowing but it is probably a fact, that malicious rumor has invaded the sanctity of more happy homes, ruined more business ventures, and despoiled more reputations than the bare truth, even though the truth be not good.
Rumor and gossip which gain speed like the wind, and power like the avalanche as it travels from mouth-to-mouth have been the messengers to carry the deadly propaganda of Hitler and Mussolini, and is now the under-ground whisper of Communism.
The Bible tells us that only: "the truth shall make you free," so let us remember as a great man has told us, "As long as you live, nothing but strict truth can carry you through the world, with either your conscience or your honor unwounded."
So, I am quite sure that when Gossip comes with her, "They say," and whispers scandal in our ear, we should obey the Bible, and "Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon."
Source:www.libraries.wvu.edu/funkhouser/1953sz.html#11553
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