S. H. CARNAHAN by S. H. Carnahan

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jun 18, 1914

S. H. CARNAHAN

By S. H. Carnahan

Gossip

S. H. CARNAHAN

The apostle Paul admonishes the members of the church against being idle and going from house to house busilying themselves in tattling — speaking things which they ought not. 1 Tim. 5:13.

The apostle Peter counsels: “Let none of you suffer . . . as an evildoer, or as a meddler in other men's matters.” 1 Peter 4:15, R. V. And “speak evil of no man,” nor “speak evil of dignities.” See Titus 3:2; Jude 8.

Solomon says, in Prov. 10:18: “He that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” And the Lord tells us through David (Ps. 101:5, R. V.): “Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I destroy.” The prophet tells us not to imagine evil against any one. Zech. 7:10; 8:17.

And we are exhorted as Christians to lay aside all evil speaking and such things. 1 Peter 2:1.

The natural heart is “desperately wicked,” and the untamed tongue “a world of iniquity.” Jer. 17:9; James 3:6. Jesus says: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matt. 12:34. No man can purify or tame these. Compare James 3:8; Ps. 51:10; Eze. 36:26.

The habit of gossiping causes much mischief among neighbors, turning friends to enemies. In no other way can persons put lack of confidence and distrust in the Bible into the hearts of their sons and daughters, and into the minds of other children, so certainly as by criticizing the ministers and teachers in our churches and schools.

Many a home is even disrupted by one parent's taking part with the children against the action of the other parent, or by telling to neighbors or to relatives outside of the family some of the differences that arise. If the differences are such as to make our hearts ache, telling them to our friends and relatives will not relieve us, and will only rend their hearts also.

Neither sly innuendo nor insinuation should be made to misrepresent motives, blacken reputation, or dissect character. Such work is worse than cannibalism, says that grand book “Education.” See pages 235, 236.

Remember “thy friend hath a friend, and that friend a friend; therefore be discreet” in what you say. Again, “If there be a person of whom you cannot speak well, then of that one speak not at all.”

The apostle James says: “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.” James 1:26.

These burdens are not to be cast upon our brethren and sisters and parents and neighbors; they have enough of their own. “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.” He will strengthen you and comfort you.

“Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.”

“Are you weary, are you heavy-hearted? . . . Tell it to Jesus alone.”

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,” and still continues to do so.

Gaston, Oregon.