3 Questions to Ask to Prevent Gossiping

Gossip may seem like one of those sins that the Bible doesn't directly condemn, but in this video, Fr. Mike points out that the Psalms, Peter, and James all strongly advise us to be mindful of the things we say. These words of wisdom aren't just in Scripture, either. The Greek philosopher Socrates also gives guidelines to avoid gossip with his "test of three." Find out what that test is in this video.
Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension:
Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God (bit.ly/2vQgGRx)
Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith (bit.ly/2nCKKLK)
Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (bit.ly/2vG9KX2)
YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body (bit.ly/2raspVB)
Get 18 of Fr. Mike’s best Ascension Presents videos in this exclusive DVD from Ascension:
Ascension Presents … Fr. Mike Schmitz (bit.ly/2sKUnJN)
Fr. Mike spoke at the Ascension Cafe during the World Meeting of Families. Watch him and other speakers get fired up over the gospel in the Ascension Cafe DVD (bit.ly/2sYtQaW).
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[@chrissybloulam2585]

Gossip is basically all about jealousy, envy, drama, drawing attention to the self instead of being a light to the world & lifting up Jesus.

[@billsd13]

Lord, please stand guard at the door of my lips. Take away my will and place Your Divine will into my speech. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[@petretepner8027]

+billsd13 Thanks for reminding us of that prayer, very apposite for commenters on KZbin. Shut up, Petre!

[@daniellelevesque1820]

Amen!!🙏🏼💗

[@gregsaddie]

Amen

[@avery9879]

Thank you 🙏

[@Cheetosyup-xm5bg]

I feel so bad after talking about others..it's always with mom and at house when we about to drink warm drinks 😂..I feel bad after even tho we ain't saying lies or bad stuff, but I do feel like I'm caring and being fake I shall stop

[@lisamarie5680]

1.) Is it true? 2.) Is it good? 3.) Is it useful? It is good to tell somebody something bad if it is true AND useful. :)

[@andrewgrajeda3349]

I think there is a difference between it being a good thing to say something and the thing you're talking about being a good thing. So it could be a good thing to say something even if the subject matter is not objectively good itself. My take at least

[@DianeCalabrese-mindbodyspirit]

Here's what God said-- in so many words--- Mind your own business. Gossip is NEVER GOOD!

[@ExpatNTraining]

Please pray for those who speak untruths towards others. 🙏🏻

[@dinasanchezharo1819]

You are an online blessing to us all

[@georgeknight636]

Many thanks fr. Mike. You re helping me no end . Listened to your talk on gossiping , as I've been a victim . Your talks are a godsend to me as well as many others. With you , I don't need to speak to anyone at present as you've put me on the straight and narrow , saving me from overreacting and opening me up to sin. I listen to a lot of your talks and have some way to go until I get through them all. God bless , a sinner from Scotland. PS. We don't get as many homilies as this here at Mass.

[@vinniejames9837]

For anyone wondering… yes gossip is a mortal sin

[@yvettepadilla4169]

Love it! I’ve been praying about this Lord heal my tongue.

[@kendraheard1097]

Man I'm struggling with this badly I hate these feelings that I feel like it had deveated me

[@eileen1820]

Fr. Schimtz's intros are always a little weird (in the best way) and I'm here for it! 😊😊

[@ishadas1965]

Same. I love his intros.

[@divinegoddess3060]

What gossip 😭😂

[@MSoc1op]

So basically the majority of mainstream media "gossips"

[@holywaterandhotsauce1359]

The version of that story I learned was, 'Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?" I've also seen: 'Before you speak, THINK! T=true H=helpful I=inspired N=necessary K=kind.

[@obsessedbrii]

Lord please take away my gossiping, it is my fault that I cannot stop but please lord, help me out

[@justsomegirl4838]

I was just talking about this with a friend earlier today, it’s crazy how things can turn up exactly when you need them

[@madelynbarten6798]

JustSomeGirl I was thinking the same thing! It’s been an issue prevalent in my mind for awhile!! And this just came at the exact right time!

[@bbssssssssssssssssss]

You guys are weird!

[@soglossytv9794]

Same here

[@domedweller4202]

My mother always told me ,if you can't think of anything good to say about someone don't say anything.

[@lukavidovic3939]

❤

[@Cheetosyup-xm5bg]

I need to keep that with me

[@Miss_Sylvie]

I been around christians growing up and when I say this, their response is “no, thats not how you are raised”. Actually was raised like this and it makes me sad that the next decision is minimizing contact with this jealous or disrespectful person. I have no response for this gaslighting.

[@kl3625]

I had someone warn me about another person recently. It’s wasn’t good and I don’t know if it’s true although I believe the person who told me. My instincts told me it was true. Now I don’t trust this other lady and was put in a bad position because the person who shared said they were trying to protect me & didn’t want me to share what she said unless the other lady started gossiping and I had to stand up for her. Now the mutual friend wanted to get to know me better but I 💯 do not feel safe with her. Before this she liked her. ☹️

[@GloryToTheLord777]

best advice ever

[@paulhill7726]

Fr. Mike I love you. Your videos helped break apart misconceptions i had about the Church and as a result my wife, my baby, and i came into the Church this past Easter. Thank you for answering GOD’s call to the priesthood and may He continue to bless the work you do in His name. 😍😁

[@marcihf9763]

Marcus Cicero Welcome to the Church. God bless all of you. 💝💝💝

[@bartschlief2574]

A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1

[@madelynbarten6798]

Thank you so much! This has been a struggle for me. I’ve noticed gossip so much around me lately! I’ve been trying to get better with it myself, but it’s so hard to know what is gossip and what isn’t! I really appreciate this. Thank you so much Fr. Mike!!

[@barrymcgrath4303]

Madelyn Barten Gossip is the giving of information inappropriate for the individual you dialogue at that point in time My general rule is think before you speak and your less likely to advance gossip

[@MommeeMadre1]

Lol, So-crates! Lots of wisdom from Bill and Ted!

[@SimplyZeyma]

really needed to hear this bc gossiping/venting and where you draw the line is something I struggle with, so thank you for this

[@merrymanson]

"Is it ? There's no one there, I'm just pretending" :D Love that guy! I am Pentecostal and I love the topics that you bring to the table. I also can say that I can agree on 95% of the stuff. Just wanted to say this - Keep up the good work, many youngsters are watching you!

[@wendyrathbun4724]

I am pentecostal also, and I have to say I go through this with my sister and my mother in law. I have to watch my tongue because their personalities are well known to all and they are easy targets. That is no excuse. God will judge me harsher than them! Pray for me!!!

[@vanessagarcia7515]

This topic is one I have to keep coming back to. A constant reminder to keep my mouth shut! Bishop baron also has a great talk about this

[@RebelRampant]

So many talk about things Paul spoke about w/homosexuality… while ignoring all the same verses about gossipers, backbiters, those who bear false report I truly believe this encompasses the internet This sin, is ripping our world apart - with almost ZERO attention being given to it

[@angiejd13]

FATHER, YOUR TIMING.. It’s always incredible. The Holy Spirit is definitely working through you.

[@Nancy-vo2kn]

God have mercy on me

[@estebancasillasjr8823]

I try my best to stay away from certain social crowds.... Social media is the biggest threat in my opinion. I would be lying if I said that I never gossiped but I do my best to be careful in what i say. I can care less what others say about me (gossip) they have no clue what has gone in my life and the actions that i took to better myself with my faith as a a Catholic. When others gossip about you it's all a defensive mechanism because they feel threaten. I let it roll of me. Thanks Father Mike

[@juliekwon2267]

Guilty! It’s so hard to resist but I will train myself to follow these rules.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

mainstream media needs to see this!!

[@msmandy00]

I love how fast Fr Mike talks! I love to listen!

[@9594491969]

Awesome...

[@kevinkempton6894]

James 3 starts by saying that we must not all be teachers, for we will be judged more strictly. If one makes no mistakes in what he says, he is a perfect man, and has control of his body also. I have heard it said that our soul breathes through our ears, as it inhales the words of others. If we are breathing in toxins, ie- gossip or false things, then we are poisoning our souls. In return, we exhale through our mouths that which our souls are made of. That is why it is also important to cultivate good friendships and take stock into what you feed your soul. Good and true, Fr. Mike. Thank you!

[@kelly311977]

2 John 1, 9:11 9 If anybody does not remain in the teaching of Christ but goes beyond it, he does not have God with him: only those who remain in what he taught can have the Father and the Son with them. 10 If anyone comes to you bringing a different doctrine, you must not receive him into your house or even give him a greeting. 11 Whoever greets him has a share in his wicked activities. brothers in ctisto, I invite you all to stand firm in the faith that we have always heard, the only and true, "OUR CATHOLIC FAITH". Until the end of time. God bless you.!!

[@Natural_Nuturer]

Thank you Fr Mike! These are very good tools to help me curb my gossiping tongue. Lord let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your site, I pray oh Lord. Amen 🙏🏽

[@carlpostuma1469]

Nice Bill and Ted's reference Fr. Mike

[@FreedomandBaconHomestead]

Thank you, Father Mike!

[@AnestheticsForAna]

Father Mike again speaks on a topic I’ve been taking to prayer very recently. Thank you for being the way God answers my prayers!

[@Imhandyshescute]

This was very useful to hear. Currently trying to omit the garbage from my daily conversation. Thank you so much.

[@mervinbesuena9309]

This is perfect Fr. Mike.. God Bless You! 🙏

[@lindajamme5459]

This old lady loves you. I am sure happy you are on you tube and teach me lots of good info.

[@tkdstudent7578]

Man thanks for the questions too prevent gossiping ,oh and good bless you too🌟🐐🐑⛪✝

[@ameyers3792]

Yes Fr. Mike. Listen to your gut (good? useful? true?) My way of remembering. :)

[@annemariemiller9807]

This is such a helpful video for me! I find myself confessing gossip in confession pretty much every time but struggling to avoid it even after repenting and I really needed some tools. Thanks so much for the practical advise!

[@annithibu8110]

Great piece of advice! Funny as well

[@beckyholbrook7253]

Thank you Fr Mike, this is one sin I keep committing.

[@ZaidanJMJ]

😂 oh my goodness .this was so good. Love the ending haha

[@jackielinerodriguez3965]

Amen God bless you father mike :)

[@tamarasears5318]

Thank you father Mike

[@Mozartandme]

wow ..... you always make me better!

[@AuroraFenzl]

When I misread the title and thought it said "gospeling"...😂

[@yeahinfiresmann]

Ik I’m a little late but thank you sm for this video 🙏 I have the hardest time not gossiping or overhearing due to the nature of the friends I hang around with, but now I’m learning to bite my tongue and, even tho it sounds a little crazy, if it’s really good gossip I’ll just tell it to myself or pretend I’m talking to my favorite celebrity about it 😅 kind of weird but it sure does help

[@Catholicity-uw2yb]

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES: “Everyone paints devotion according to his own passions and fancies. A man given to fasting thinks himself very devout if he fasts, although his heart may be filled with hatred. A man doesn’t dare wet his tongue with wine or even water but won’t hesitate to drink deep of his neighbor’s blood by slander, vilification, and gossip. Another man thinks himself devout because he daily recites a vast number of prayers, but after saying them he utters the most disagreeable, arrogant and harmful words at home and among his neighbors.”

[@Ford31083]

Wow, Father Mike has a talent for posting videos so apropos at the right time!!!! God bless him!!!!

[@amespointer]

My Mom and I were gossiping the other day and my Dad said something like, "Well, while you two have been running your mouths I've been thinking..." and I realized what I'd been doing and I told him thank you for the gentle reminder that I was gossiping and that I felt bad about it. They thought I was crazy. Haha But I have been working on that for a while now, and it's weird how easily you get going, even if you don't have a malicious intent. "Well, I heard so and so..." I'll try and remember the rule of 3.

[@jessicamurphy5882]

You have perfect timing every.single.time. Thank you

[@fortzhd4874]

Thank you. This is useful and important I didn't even think of these 3. God bless🙏🏼❤️✝️

[@muhammadwasapedophile2251]

So-crates Johnson😂🤣😂🤣 Bill and Ted. Classic!

[@maramcdonald9602]

Thanks Father Mike!

[@paulmiller8673]

Thanks, Father! Good and easy to remember rule of thumb.

[@virginiadomingo8761]

🙏🙏🙏! The best way is to zip up! 🤐🤐🤐

[@palace_pro4923]

JESUS CHRIST bless!!!

[@cookielove9310]

Very helpful. Thank you. God Bless you and your work🙏😊

[@wfm5121954]

I lived in Manhattan, NY from 1976-2000. During that time I was a frequent visitor to St Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street. I adored that church. The day that 911 happened we lost Friar Mychael Judge. He was chaplain to the fire house across the street from the church. He was a first responder. And he is listed as 911's first casualty. There is a beautiful photo depicting him being carried away. A true hero to his church. I knew some of the friars there including Friar Mychael. He was outspoken and respected by everyone. They named a street after him.

[@BlessedLifeLoveandFaith]

Love this Fr. Mike! This should be for my work environment; Yes, most definitely. Even though I don't hear anything and mind my own matters to me and my dear family/friends, my job does a lot of gossiping 🙀

[@claytonwenrich3588]

That was very helpful for me. Thank you father Mike

[@miguelangelaguilarrancel4933]

Extremely wise and thoughtful... 😇

[@maryfrances1202]

Thanks Padre

[@pmvrodriguezfamily]

Fr. Mike thank you so much!!!! I have a thirteen year old girl and let me tell you that you are a great help for me, and also for her, when she comes from school with this type of problems. May God bless you always.

[@heavyjoechipman3594]

SO-CRATES!😂Thank you for tremendous, clean laughter. Bless you, Father.☺🙏💜👍

[@tkdstudent7578]

God bless

[@LoriLoriLori21]

Truly I say to you, this was a good and helpful message from you! 😉🌷👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@marcoferreira0223]

I think this was so useful and helpful especially if we wanna live good, sin-free lives, by performing this "Test of Three" before we speak to someone: a) is what we going to share true? b) is it good news? and c) is it helpful or useful in any way? If not then it's better not to bring up the topic at all. I think Scriptures says somewhere that we will be judged by our own words, so please Brothers and Sisters in Christ let's be cautious with our tongues and use it as tools for good instead of for evil. Thank you Fr Mike for your words of wisdom, there isn't a video I don't watch where I don't learn something vital to my faith from you! Thank you for spreading the Good News and explaining it to us, your Brethren!

[@funnynickline]

'Yes Father' Mike' should have a good heart, and spirit and relations to CHRIST and the words expressed are godly',.🙏.

[@scottyhotty1003]

True, good, and necessary stuff!! The tongue is a fire..amen!!

[@patricemackle3789]

I will practice this from now onwards ❤

[@serena7397]

LOL...Oh Father I love your sense of humor! Thank you for defining gossip and venting as well as defining that if your words arent helpful then you probably shouldn't use them. I pray everyday that I don't lose my filter! Thanks again Father Mike! 💙🙏

[@Reverendtiger]

Love the Bill & Ted reference!

[@ckirby614]

Fascinated by the bad news, just like how we need to slow down and gawk at road kill. What's the quote: "If you can't say anything nice........come over here and sit by me!!!" Juicy gossip is very tempting, no doubt about it!

[@happyandblessed5640]

Brilliant stuff! challenging too.

[@tomstika6236]

Thank you Fr. Mike. Very helpful message, as always.

[@lauramahoney930]

Excellent.

[@giosoldchannel597]

Thank you

[@moursundjames]

I remember my Dad sharing this with me - his parents had told him growing up. He said to ask these three questions, and to make sure at least two of the criteria are met.

[@emilycharles2454]

Thank you so much father. May God bless you.

[@plewis1353]

Thank you for your messages ❤

[@alejandragarciachavez1323]

Thank you!

[@Swety08]

God bless father Mike.

[@aliciamaureen9033]

Thank you for this awesome video! The test of three is really useful!😊

[@noahinson]

Thank you Mike for sharing this video. I know some people might get mad that you used Socrates or whatever. I think it's important to remember that Paul quoted from Epimenedes, a Cretan (he might be a philosopher or a historian, I don't remember). Thank you for this video, helps me a lot.

[@peggypeck1539]

Are you sure you aren't a stand up comedian? When ever I need to laugh I am going to look up one of your video's. Will also look them up when I need to learn something. You are smart and funny.

[@CozyToni]

Great advice, thank you!

[@kimcasio5238]

Thank you Father Mike for your truth.

[@ambergabel4919]

This video is SO lovely! I definitely want to use the test of 3. Gossiping can be really hard not to do, but I want to keep improving and this test may be just the thing. I will have to check out James 3 soon too. Kind of appropriate chapter 3 is the one about how to use our words and there is the test of 3 on the same topic... ;) Nice job with this video, Fr. Mike (as always) and cute joke about pronouncing Socrates. ;)

[@XESexperience]

Thank you Father.

[@gwenfinch7909]

This was really good. In fact it was great.

[@msjcdrz125]

Awesome message!

[@wfm5121954]

I love Psalm 45.

[@denverkachaka4129]

Thanks for the scriptures

[@Live4theblacknote]

I'm reminded of being in situations where I should have asked these three questions. I'll surely be asking them from now on.

[@DS-st7xj]

Important reminder for us all Fr Mike Thank you! 🙂

[@Molly-cd9fx]

Thanks it's something u can fall into so easily so we need to guard our tongues

[@yessicaarevalo7389]

Awesome video fr. God bless, Ps I love your eyes ha not to be weird or anything 😄