The Whisper Campaign
Sharon W. Betters
TODAY’S TREASURE
Now Korah the son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men. And they rose up before Moses, with a number of the people of Israel, 250 chiefs of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, well-known men. They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?” (Numbers 16:1-3).
Discontentment and jealousy were rooted in the hearts of four men, Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and On. They tired of their God-given responsibilities and put their eyes on the priesthood, concluding there was more honor and perhaps less physical labor in the priestly role of Aaron. Their resentment grew and naturally spread to others. They convinced 250 chiefs of the congregation that the priesthood should not be reserved for a few but open to all. They attacked Moses and Aaron, accusing them of “holier than thou” attitudes.
Do you see parallels to conflicts in your own life? One person starts a whisper campaign, gathering “influential” people to her side. Whispered conversations pull in more people who neglect to “get the other side of the story”, maybe because they too, are discontent or jealous. The circle of gossip grows wider, without a thought to the damage caused to the target. Such gossipers consider themselves righteous and seeking justice. Yet, the Scriptures reveal a different motive. If you are tempted by gossip designed to destroy another person, realize the root of your willingness to participate in such gossip is jealousy and discontentment with the pathway on which God has placed you.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Ask the Lord to bring these Scriptures to mind when you are tempted to start the gossip or when others try to pull you into their conflicts:
The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him (Proverbs 18:17).
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace (Ephesians 4:29).
The older I grow, the more I realize the destruction of gossip and thoughtless words. When tempted to speak ill of others or use the respect of others as a means to defame anyone, I plead with the Lord:
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends (Proverbs 16:28).
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble (Proverbs 21:23).
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless (James 1:26).
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler (Proverbs 20:19).
Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure (Psalm 101:5).
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body (Proverbs 18:8).
May we allow the downfall of Korah, and his band of discontents, teach us to be ever watchful for whispers designed to wreak havoc on another because:
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape (Proverbs 19:5).
And remember:
For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases (Proverbs 26:20).
PRAYER
Father, put a guard on our lips. When we are tempted to start or join a whispering campaign, show us the ugliness of our words and motives. Teach us to say no when invited to join the “Sons of Korah.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Wednesday, 08 June 2022.
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