Nosey Busybodies

Lately, I’ve noticed this.  And God is clear on where he stands with it.  ‘There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:’, and ‘feet that are quick to rush into evil’ is one of them (Pr 6:16, 18).  These verses are a continuation, in theme, from the previous ones that speak of the overtaking disaster/destruction that will be the consequence of people who engage in the foolish behavior listed in Proverbs 6:6-19.

I take the phrase ‘feet that are quick to rush into evil’ to not only mean actively engaging in, or participating in sin, but also includes giving audience to such behavior (Pr 1:16; 17:4).  Being a busybody is spoken against in the Bible (2Th 3:11; 1 Ti 5:13).  Aside from the fact that it eventually leads to disaster, it’s potentially destructive for any and everyone involved (e.g. loss of trust, fueling instead of quelling a dispute, modeling of improper behavior, etc.).  Given the context of the fore mentioned verses, the cure for nosey busybodies are godly, worthwhile pursuits, since idleness is the cause of it.  Simply put, people who mind their business, mind their business.

Well, surely you don’t mean that we shouldn’t show concern for others, Michael?  If there’s any doubt about the difference between being concerned and being a busybody, I think the criteria that defines the two is based on motivation.  Ask yourself, ‘What is my purpose for seeking out this information?’  What is my purpose for ______?  (…running to witness a fight, eaves dropping on a conversation, going in the direction of the police lights, etc.)  Avoid justification.  God knows all, and we’ll eventually have to answer for all that we do (Ro 14:12; 2 Co 5:10).

And although the consequences are not always immediate, God doesn’t lie (Nu 23:19).  If he says disaster and destruction will result for the fool (God’s word, not mine.  That’s where the word folly comes from.)  who does these things, then they will.  There’s no surer guarantee than God’s word.  If questioning your motivation for doing so is not enough to shed light to whether you’re engaging in this type of behavior, consider the result of  them (2 Ti 2:16).

Oh, and if you think no one sees you think again.  And I’m not just talking about God either (Heb 4:13).  We all have more eyes on us than we realize.  You never know who you might be influencing.  But for parents, you know exactly who you’re influencing. How much does it ruin your credibility when junior knows you’re a snoop?