In 2Pac's 1993 big hit "I Get Around" he states...ok let me make sure I get this right, and I quote;
"Finger tips on the hips as I dip, gotta get a tight grip, don't slip
Loose lips sink ships, it's a trip"
Loose lips sink ships, it's a trip"
Now, I'm almost positive 2Pac was not the first person to utter the words, "loose lips sink ships", but nevertheless, those words ring true today as much as they did in 1993 or in 1883 for that matter.
This week during two different encounters, with two highly successful businessmen, I was reminded and encouraged concerning the importance of not gossiping. Both gentlemen expressed with grace and sincerity their lack of use or interest in gossiping about any company, employee, or anyone. Period.
Both men were older and very wise.
After leaving both meetings I was inspired to take a stronger stance in this area. I'm not one that has a reputation for gossiping, but there are times that I entertain this subject while listening to others talk. It is very easy to do.
No more.
Words, our words, are everything. They can be as refreshing as water in the summertime or they can be the fuel for many quarrels and arguments. Proverbs 18:7-8 states: "Fools get into constant quarrels; their lips get them into trouble. 8 What dainty morsels rumors are, but they sink deep into one's heart." Proverbs 25:23 underscores the importance of not gossiping when it recorded these words: "As surely as a wind from the north brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger". And lastly Proverbs 26:20 states: "Fire goes out for a lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops".
Loose lips really do sink ships.
We as humans have a tendency to believe everything we hear, and all the while we often internalize every spoken word as if it was gospel. My mother, who is one of the wisest people I know, likes to say; "There are three sides to every story...his, her's and the truth". Marvin Gaye said; "believe half of what you see and none of what you hear".
Both are great pieces of advice.
Words, the right words, are powerful and our conversations have great importance. They can refresh our spirit, satisfy our soul, and encourage our heart. The wrong words and conversations have the potential to divide neighbors and family members, cause strife and consternation at our workplace, and can cause a home to go down in flames.
Eleanor Roosevelt often said; "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss
events; small minds discuss people." With that being said, please excuse and forgive me in advance if I turn a deaf ear when the gossiping begins, and just remember what 2Pac said; "You picked the wrong guy baby if you're too fly,You need to hit the door, search for a new guy". I really don't think he was talking about gossiping, but you get my point.
Remember, like my mom likes to say; "if you can't say anything good about someone then don't say anything at all."
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment