Craig Clouston

Before We Speak

The tongue is also a fire.
James 3:6

“Have you heard about Jeremy?” Katrina asked her brother. “No. What’s up?” Phil responded. “Well, I’m not sure … ” she hesitated, then said, “I heard he was back on pain pills.”
“That’s too bad. I like Jeremy,” Phil replied.
A week later, Jeremy was called into his employer’s office and immediately terminated. They gave him no explanation other than he was no longer a good fit for the company. Jeremy repeatedly asked for a more defined explanation but they would say no more.
Shaken, Jeremy determined to put it behind him. But finding suitable employment during the economic downturn took more than six months. In that time he lost his car and used up his entire savings as well as his retirement fund.
Two years later, Jeremy ran into a co-worker from his former employer. In the course of their conversation, the man asked Jeremy if he was still having trouble with pills.
A little surprised by the question, Jeremy told him, “No, I’m great. I’ve been clean for six years.”
The man seemed surprised by the ‘six years’ and proceeded to tell Jeremy that he’d been part of a conversation with Jeremy’s old boss and Katrina’s brother, Phil, the week of Jeremy’s termination. “Phil told the boss you were back on drugs. I guess he assumed Phil knew what he was talking about and didn’t think it warranted further investigation. I’m really sorry man. I always enjoyed working with you.”
Jeremy was sorry, too. But at least now he had the truth.

†

We are never to be careless with our words. Yet, many find fulfillment in spreading gossip. Although untrue, Jeremy’s life was devastatingly impacted by gossip. When we speak without concern for the consequence of our words, we are taking someone’s integrity, welfare, and quite possibly their life in our own hands.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” When we hear gossip we have two choices: to lovingly confront the gossip, suggesting they refrain from the practice of spreading rumors; or remove ourselves from their presence, refusing to take part. What we say matters. At the peril of others, we must consider our words.

Prayer

“Lord, guard my lips that I would not harm another. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”