What does the Bible say about busy-bodies?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns believers against meddling in matters that do not belong to them and calls them instead to peaceful, useful, and humble lives. Proverbs 20:3 commends avoiding strife, while Proverbs 26:17 compares interfering in another's quarrel to grabbing a dog by the ears. Paul rebukes those in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 and 1 Timothy 5:13 who neglect their own duties to become idle gossips and busybodies. Peter includes being a meddler among sins for which no Christian should suffer (1 Peter 4:15). God calls His people to repent of prideful interference, tend faithfully to their own responsibilities, speak truth in love, and serve neighbors without controlling them.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Fools are Proverbs 20:3
- The idle are 2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 Timothy 5:13
- Are mischievous tale-bearers 1 Timothy 5:13
- Bring mischief upon themselves 2 Kings 14:10; Proverbs 26:17
- Christians must not be 1 Peter 4:15
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