walkie or talkie?
"Charge them before God to stop disputing about mere words. This does no good and can be the ruin of those who listen." —2 Timothy 2:14
Millions of people, even Christians, listen to talk shows. The most popular talk shows feature constant controversy, even disputes "about mere words" (2 Tm 2:14). Some people think such talk shows are good. Most people don't see any harm in them. However, the Lord declares: "This does no good and can be the ruin of those who listen" (2 Tm 2:14). Talk shows are not just harmful to the talkers; they are also the ruin of the listeners.
"On Judgment Day," the talkers "will be held accountable for every unguarded word they speak" (Mt 12:36). Therefore, the listeners are not to give them encouragement to speak sinfully. We must stop our ears lest we "hear of bloodshed" (Is 33:15). When we carelessly open our ears to the talk of the world, we close our ears to the Word of God. However, when we close our ears to the strident controversies of the world, we open our ears to the voice of God.
The Lord commands us: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps 46:10, RSV-CE). Pray: "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening" (1 Sm 3:9).
Prayer: Father, make me quick to hear You (see Jas 1:19).
Promise: "Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!" —Mk 12:29
Praise: Once hindered by the sin of gossip, Rachel, touched by the Holy Spirit, now speaks freely about the good qualities she sees in others.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Hearing God, or on video V-45 or audio AV 45-1.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2012
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.