London’s 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 above 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 around that gallery. And not only can our gossip
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 do better to restrain ourselves and practice
silence.
Gossip ends at a wise person’s ears. (RBC)
