“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” -Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)
Have you ever been on the receiving end of gossip, or maybe even the one that was gossiping?
I want to encourage you to remove “gossip” from not only your vocabulary but also your actions. The next time someone tries to gossip, apply the triple filter test. It’s about filtering what you’re going to say before you say it!
The Triple Filter Test
- Filter 1: Truth – Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to say is true?
- Filter 2: Goodness – Is what you’re about to say about someone something good?
- Filter 3: Usefulness – Is what you want to say going to be useful to me?
If something is not true, good, or useful – why even say it?
“Without wood, a fire goes out, without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” -Proverbs 26:20 (NIV)
The ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, used the triple filter test to teach about the negative impact of gossip. Wise advice!
The next time you or someone you know is about to gossip … use the triple filter test!
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