Whispering gallery

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips  is wise.    — Proverbs 10:19

London domed St. Paul’s Cathedral has an interesting architectural phenomenon called the “whispering gallery.” One Web site explains it this way: “The name comes from the fact that a person who whispers facing the wall on one side can be clearly heard on the other, since the sound is carried perfectly around the vast curve of the Dome.”

In other words, you and a friend could sit on opposite sides of architect Sir Christopher Wren’s great cathedral and carry on a conversation without having to speak about a whisper.

While that may be a fascinating feature of St. Paul’s Cathedral, it can also be a warning to us. What we say about others in secret can travel just as easily as whispers travel far and wide, but it often does great harm along the way.

Perhaps this is why the Bible frequently challenges us about the ways we use words The wise King Solomon wrote, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Prov. 10:19).

Instead of using whispers and gossip that can cause hurt and pain while serving no good purpose, we would be better to restrain ourselves and practice silence. — Bill Crowder

Lord, help us bridle what we say

And tend our conversations,

Avoiding careless gossiping

That murders reputations. — Sper

READ:  Proverbs 10:11-23

Gossip ends at a wise person’s ears.

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Kings 1-2; Luke 19:26-48