Take not into your ear that scum of hell that people call…
“Take not into your ear that scum of hell that people call tittle-tattle. Whosoever willingly listens to a slander is equally guilty with the one who tells it, and an old writer says they ought both to be hanged; the one by the tongue and the other by the ear. Do not smile upon such a spaniel, lest like a pleased dog, he puts his dirty paw upon you.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Listening to gossip spreads sin; both speaker and listener share guilt, so avoid it.
In simple terms: Gossip harms both teller and listener.
Key Takeaway
Reject gossip and its influence.
Themes
morality
communication
guilt
social harm
Mood
cautionary
serious
Type
moral
didactic
When to use this quote
- Workplace conversations
- online forums
- family gatherings
- church meetings
Key Concepts
Ethical theory
social psychology
sin concept
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is it tempting to hear gossip?
- How can you steer conversations away from slander?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding gossip can be socially difficult.