Words matter

You have a responsibility, not only for the words that you speak, but also for whose words and the kinds of words you listen to. ‘Evil people relish malicious conversation; the ears of liars itch for dirty gossip’’ (17:4, MSG). Remember that whoever gossips to you will probably gossip about you. Just as receiving stolen goods is as serious a crime in the eyes of the law as theft; so listening to gossip is as damaging as gossiping. How you speak and how you listen will affect the whole atmosphere in your home: ‘Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife’ (v.1).