When Whispering Causes an Upset Stomach

The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. Proverbs 26:22

Why is it that we can listen for hours to people talk finding it rather uninteresting, yet when someone lowers their voice to a whisper to pass along gossip, suddenly we come to rapt attention?  That is the situation this proverb addresses.

"If you want to get someone's attention, whisper."  These were the words of an old commercial.  They were advertising some perfume - but there is truth in that statement.  The Hebrew concept for the word "whisperer" is that of someone who is gossiping or complaining.  This person is someone who causes trouble as they seem to constantly be faultfinding or murmuring about others. 

It is dangerous to listen to a "whisperer."  The proverb tells us that their words are like dainty morsels.  Our fallen ears take to them like our appetites take to our favorite foods.  We savor them and it only leaves us hungry for more. 

A word of warning is given to us about listening to these kinds of words.  These kind of words will go down into the innermost parts of our bodies.  Here a fascinating Hebrew word offers us a great deal of instruction.  The word, "innermost" means "chambers of the belly."  To the Hebrew, the chambers of the belly were not the place of wisdom, but rather the seat of the emotions.  The place of wisdom is the heart and mind.  Often we see God warning us to think with and guard our hearts and minds - and - to beware of a life driven by the emotions.

Listening to complainers and gossips will often stoke the fires of our emotions.  The murmuring criticism of these folks will get us mad about what they're mad and soon complaining over their gripes.  Certain gossip will set a place on fire - with people becoming angry and resentful over things that are not even true.  The truly difficult thing about listening to a whisperer is that once their words go into the chambers of our belly - it's hard to get them out.  The other danger is that by listening, we can betray a friendship and offend greatly those who are the subject of such whispering.  We've all seen how much damage can come from just a little whisper taking root in someone's belly and firing their emotions.  It's kind of like finding one dandelion in your yard - it doesn't remain one for long. 

Next time someone wants to whisper their complaints and gossip in your ear - don't listen.  Don't let them put their dainty morsels in the chambers of your belly - because in the end - you'll wind up with far more than just an upset stomach.  You'll wind up with an upset life!