Avoid People Who Talk Too Much

“Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.”

—SPANISH PROVERB

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore associate not with him who talks too freely.

—Proverbs 20:19

People who talk too much usually have problems in which you are wise not to take part; therefore, avoiding these people helps simplify our lives.

When people have no discipline over their mouths, they usually lack discipline in other areas as well. It is best for us if we are in close relationship with people who will urge us to come up higher in our choices. Spending excessive time with, and opening your heart to, those who pull you down in life is not wise at all. Think about who your friends are and start really listening to them, because you can tell a lot about a person’s character by listening to what they say. Avoid people who gossip. If they gossip about someone else to you, they will gossip about you too.

When people talk too freely, they often don’t do what they said they would do simply because they did not count the cost before making the commitment. They will disappoint you over and over again. You will be frustrated, but you may be the only one who can simplify that area of your life by avoiding those people. I am not suggesting we be rude to anyone, but we cannot let people mess up our lives just to keep them from getting their feelings hurt.

One of the best things you can do is choose your friends wisely. Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life (see Proverbs 4:23). I have greatly simplified my life by making a few adjustments concerning the people with whom I spend my time.