Who’s Listening?

Who’s Listening?

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Typing quietly at my computer, I immediately noticed when she entered the coffee shop. Adorned in the latest exercise clothes, corkscrew curls, and a high-wattage smile, she walked confidently to the counter with a couple of similarly attired friends.

I recognized her, but she didn’t seem to recognize me, so I returned to my work without thinking much about it. We had met at a mutual friend’s annual event but never had a lengthy conversation. As she and her friends snagged their coffee drinks and settled into the cushy brown chairs behind me, my ears perked up when one of her friends mentioned our mutual friend’s name.

I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but she made no attempt to modify her volume, her words carrying clearly across the room.

“Oh, she’s trying another exercise program,” she said carelessly. “I mean, she’s always trying something new, but her eating habits are terrible.” As her friends hummed their agreement, she continued, “She’s not going to lose weight if she doesn’t fix that.”

A little stunned, I felt my ears burning. Didn’t she realize that other people could hear her words? Hadn’t she thought about the fact that someone else might know the person she was talking about? I had thought that the two of them were friends, but what kind of friend criticizes another in such a thoughtless way—and in public, of all places? I knew my friend would be hurt if she knew what the other woman had said.

Proverbs reminds us that words can trip us up if we’re not careful and some things are best left unsaid. Not only did the words reflect poorly on this woman, but they made me consider the times I haven’t been careful enough with my own words. Have I repeated gossip? Have I had unwise conversations about others when I’m talking on the phone in front of my children? Have I cloaked criticism of someone else’s actions with a falsely pious prayer request to a group? In all of these situations, silence is our best and most kind option. May we always strive to say helpful, not hurtful words, ever mindful of who might be listening.

— Kristin

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Refuse to gossip about anyone.