Recently I ran across the following rules to live by as it relates to “evil-speaking” (gossip, slander, etc.).

It comes from the writings of Reverend Charles Simeon, a well-known English minister from the early 1800’s. These timeless truths are just as relevant today as they were in Simeon’s day and bear repeating (and practicing).

Rev. Simeon wrote: The longer I live, the more I feel the importance of adhering to the rules which I have laid down for myself in relation to evil-speaking:

1. To hear as little as possible what is the prejudice of others.
2. To believe nothing of the kind till I am absolutely forced to it.
3. Never to drink into the spirit of one who circulates an ill report.
4. Always to moderate, as far as I can, the unkindness which is expressed toward others.
5. Always to believe, that if the other side were heard, a very different account would be given of the matter.
6. My enemy, whatever evil he says of me, does not reduce me so low as he would if he knew all concerning me that God knows.
7. In drawing the balance, as between Debtor and Creditor, I find that if I have been robbed of a pence, there are pounds and talents placed to my account to which I have no just title.
8. If man has his day, God will have His.

•  The ONE THING for today: “Evil-speaking” (gossip, slander, defamation of character, misrepresentation of the truth) is going to happen today but you do not have to be a part of it.

[God’s List]

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)