"Did you hear ..."

Did you hear ….

So often those words precede something heard, not witnessed. Too often it is a negative statement about another person. To repeat it as fact is to bear false witness, for we have only heard, not witnessed ourselves.

How much simpler it is to comply with what we are to think:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

If we follow this advice, we would never repeat gossip. Once you get past true and honest, there are more standards.

Is it just? Is it factually fair? Is there more than one viewpoint considered and included in any conclusions? Is it morally fair? This small, four letter word, has great depth to it and must be considered first. God is just.

Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Deuteronomy 32:3-4 KJV)

Even if we determine that it is, is it pure? There’s where we would lose a lot. Yes, it is true; we think it’s just. But pure? Not so much. Is it free of flaw? Innocent of malice? Or is it contaminated with a bit of jealousy? Do we relish hearing it for it lowers someone to our level? God’s wisdom is defined as pure.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. (James 3:17 KJV)

How about lovely – would you want to display this openly for everyone to look at? Or will it be whispered, almost hidden from view. The word lovely is used only once in the New Testament, translated from prosphiles for something that is friendly, or acceptable. Is what was heard acceptable for open discussion?

Is it of good report? Cornelius was of good report (Acts 10:22), as was Ananias (Acts 22:12). According to Hebrews 11:12, faith provides a good report. Would this piece of news provide such?

Virtue. This is a high standard. Is what was heard moral? Is it a good model quality? Does it display chastity? Faithfulness? If not, forget it. Of course, that would mean doing without most of what is shown on television and the majority of movies. Virtue is an excellent standard and a desirable quality, above pricing.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (Proverbs 31:10 KJV)

Most of what follows “Did you hear …” has no praise, does it. So, don’t think about. Stop the person speaking and remind them of what you wish to have in your mind.

Rebecca Kennison: Gossips in the Altstadt in Sindelfingen, Germany (Wiki Commons)