Busybody

1 Peter 4:14-19 KJV
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Notice the company that a busybody is labeled with: murderer (not good), thief (not good) and evildoer (not a good person in actions). All these labels negatively affect other people and so does being a busybody. In verse 19 we read that those people who don’t do those ungodly things will suffer as a Christian, so if you don’t engage in conversations about others and you purpose to keep your mouth closed about other people you will be persecuted for being different. When is the last time you were persecuted for following your heart as opposed to following other men/women? If you are not walking with the crowd, you are either walking against them or standing alone either position will bring persecution from certain members of the crowd or the whole crowd in general.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 KJV
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

In context these verses are speaking of people who refuse to work, but what usually happens with people who refuse to work is that they also engage in idle conversation about others which makes them a busybody. Now we will look at some other bible interpretations of what a busybody is.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 BBE (1965 Bible in Basic English)
10 For even when we were with you we gave you orders, saying, If any man does no work, let him not have food.
11 For it has come to our ears that there are some among you whose behaviour is uncontrolled, who do no work at all, but are over-interested in the business of others.

A busybody is someone who is over-interested in the business of others (this is typically not just about a single person but rather about other people who are in their world). Another term for this type of person is nosey, which means they are consistently poking their nose into other people’s business.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 DRB (1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)
10 For also, when we were with you, this we declared to you: that, if any man will not work, neither let him eat.
11 For we have heard there are some among you who walk disorderly: working not at all, but curiously meddling.

A busybody is curious about other people. Curious means eager to know, prying; meddlesome. To meddle means to involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; interfere. So when this scripture uses both words (curious and meddling) it is a double negative which qualifies for being a sin. Many people don’t think of being a busybody as a sin before God but all violations of God’s Word is sin whether we agree with it or not. The good news for many is that the gracious Lord only holds you accountable for what you know, so once you know these truths you are personally held accountable for these truths.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 ERV (Easy-to-Read Version)
10 When we were with you, we gave you this rule: "Whoever will not work should not be allowed to eat."
11 We hear that some people in your group refuse to work. They are doing nothing except being busy in the lives of others.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 GNB (Good News Bible)
10 While we were with you, we used to tell you, "Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat."
11 We say this because we hear that there are some people among you who live lazy lives and who do nothing except meddle in other people's business.

Busybodies actively work in the lives of others to gather information. This shows us that busybodies know what they are doing they have a purpose to know more about another so that they can feed their appetite of sharing vain information with others. They are not trying to glorify God but rather just exalt their limited knowledge about other people much like the news does. They only seek out bits and pieces of information to make a story and when they are done with your story they move on the next victim. What if the other person doesn’t want their business shared? In those cases the other person is persecuted for being different (withholding personal information, not participating in the desire of the busybody) but according to Proverbs 6:16-19 the Lord hates those who sow discord among the brethren. Therefore, we (as Christians) must be mindful not to be a busybody in other people’s affairs.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 GW (Gods Word)
10 While we were with you, we gave you the order: "Whoever doesn't want to work shouldn't be allowed to eat."
11 We hear that some of you are not living disciplined lives. You're not working, so you go around interfering in other people's lives.

Busybodies interfere with the lives of other people. Maybe the busybody doesn’t think they are interfering in the life of another but anytime you want to take away someone else’s time you are interfering with their life. People have plans and other things to do besides sit around and chat all day about carnal things or things that aren’t on their heart. Even when the media interviews a well-known person those interviews are planned, scheduled and typically paid for. Those who don’t work hard have more time to sit around and wonder about other people. This is why the statement, “An idle mind is the devil’s work shop” has a ring of truth to it. All those who are focused on doing the work of God and putting their full attention into the work (job) God has given them know that they don’t have a lot of idle time to spare. Anytime interference occurs it disrupts the production of real work that is taking place so please try not to interfere with the lives of another, unless of course your interference is asked for and it is for their benefit by blessing them in some form or fashion. When you are in a position of authority interference comes with the position but the lines of communication must be clearly understood by all parties, also the parameters of your authority should be understood by all parties. We should be mature enough to know the difference of when we are blessing someone according to their will as opposed to using another’s personal information to satisfy (bless) our own personal will.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 Murdock (Dr James Murdock’s translation of the Western Peshitto around 1852)
10 And while we were with you, we also gave you this precept, That every one who would not work, should likewise not eat.
11 For we hear, there are some among you who walk wickedly, and do nothing except vain things.

Busybodies do vain things. Vain means 1) excessively proud of or concerned about one’s own appearance or achievement. 2) unsuccessful; futile. 3) without significance or value. - according to Random House Webster’s Dictionary, fourth edition. All of these definitions have no eternal value to glorify the Kingdom of God so we should not promote vain works. I know vain people typically say, “I could say something that could really bless someone else”. Yes, that is true but you won’t typically bless another person without a genuine Word of the Lord (a specific word from God). The problem is those specific Words from God come from spending adequate time with God in His Presence to get that word. So even though some busybodies boast of their potential to bless another they generally delight more in blessing themselves at the expense of others. Remember, King Solomon, said in Ecclesiastes 12:8-14, “Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity. Let us hear the whole conclusion of the matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

1 Timothy 5:11-15 KJV
11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.

Busybodies speak things which they should not. Yes, in those days it was wandering around from house to house but today this is Facebook, Twitter, and other forms of social media in which it is basically wanting to know more information about what you are doing. This craving for personal information never ceases, nor is it monitored for too much personal information being shared. Oh, some will say that they (someone other than them) shared too much information at times but that doesn’t stop the person from reading even more about the situation. This media frenzy concerning the current social network is very time consuming and poses a great risk to the Kingdom of God. Why, because if Satan can keep people distracted with the affairs of other people, who will have time for spending intimate time with God? I know some will say, ‘Ministers are on Facebook, Twitter and various other networks and we (ihlcc) will reply that is good and we are too, but what do they have to do with you spending adequate time in God’s Presence apart from the minister. We are not saying that social media is evil we are stating that if certain people are using it for gossip, busybodiness, and debate it is not being used to glorify God. Thus by pure definition alone the purpose of social media is not to glorify God but rather to glorify man. And even though a few use it for good the majority of people are using it for vain, idle, unprofitable works that only help to arouse the curiosity of people. So guard against this attitude and be mindful to glorify God in all your social media activities, because if you are not working with God, for sure you are working against Him and the Body of Christ in general.

Basic definition of a “Busybody”
Busybody noun, plural –ies a person who meddles in the affairs of others. (Source – Random House Webster’s Dictionary, Fourth Edition)

Busybodies typically compare others with themselves –

2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

If you are comparing the thoughts and/or actions of another by your standards of living you are wrong. A busybody is not just a person who speaks about others but a busybody is also a person who thinks excessively about others instead of thinking about their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and how they may please Him. It is OK (permissible) to think about others if you are thinking of how you can help them or praying to the Lord about them doing His Will but you must always be in the position of faith, which cast the care of that person over unto the Lord simple because all people are under God’s care. So we should not play God, nor should we even entertain the thought that we are God therefore our actions of being a busybody are justified.

Examples –

Luke 10:38-42 KJV
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

This is a good example for the saints because they get so busy serving God that they forget about spending time with Jesus. Either they forget about it or they are choosing to not place a high priority on spending personal time with God. Many people react to the person of Christ, the Body of Christ, and certain members more than they react to the substance of Christ (His Word, and intimate fellowship with His Presence). Jesus said only one thing is needful which is His Word because His Word is our life. Fellowship around serving God is far less important than fellowship with God to hear His Voice and know His personally through His Word. God is not interested in people following people for their own pursuits but He is very interested in helping those who follow His Will for their life. The truth is a good portion of His Will for your life includes you spending private time with Him without distractions. We also notice that Martha compared Mary’s actions to her own without realizing what she was doing was the source of her trouble. Sin always brings its own set of problems because the wages of sin is death according to Romans 6:23. It is very possible to be full of care about other people and bring your carefulness into another person’s life to make trouble for them. Careful people do typically cause problems for people who are not as careful (carefree) about the same situation.

John 21:20-23 KJV
20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

This example covers everyday people, the Christian and the media: The simple truth is we shouldn’t be mindful of another person’s business because we should be following the Lord Jesus. God has a will for all of His Children so we shouldn’t concern ourselves with God’s Will for another person, that is solely between that individual and God. Again Peter after hearing about his own unpopular death in the previous verses of John 21:18,19 wanted to know about the death of the other disciple but the Lord would have nothing to do with this comparison. The Lord directed Peter back to his own calling not the calling or lifestyle of another. Note: Don’t you think that the Lord knew about John’s calling but He refused to feed Peter’s ego or curiosity, therefore we must go and do likewise.

John 12:20-26 KJV
20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

These verse of scripture address a couple of things, for one we notice that the Greeks (busybodies) wanted to talk with Jesus or at least meet with Jesus personally but the Lord had something else on His heart at that time. So even though someone wants to meet with you it does not mean it is the best time for you. Here is something we (ihlcc) have noticed people are selfish so they want to meet on their terms. The Lord was ministering constantly so why didn’t the Greeks just listen to His message to understand what Jesus was all about? No, they want the Lord to adjust His schedule to accommodate their need. Secondly, did you notice that the Lord was not easily distracted by the wants and desires of others because He was (and still is) accountable to His Heaven Father. Thirdly, the Lord knew His work (message and deeds of love and works of miracles and healings) would carry on so there was no need to do this right now. This shows us that people aren’t satisfied with speaking with someone who knows you well as your representative they want to talk to the head person himself. This would make us (ihlcc) question their motives of self-interest as opposed to God’s interest. To us (ihlcc) you can read after our writing or listen to our messages but many don’t think that is good enough. People want your time without realizing that is less time for others, yourself and God. People rarely think that they are distraction because most people are full of their will not Gods. Amen! People who really want to speak with you come to see you they do not demand (question, wonder, insinuate) for you to come to them. Most people would rather you be inconvenienced than be inconvenienced themselves, it is simply easier for you to come to them than they come to you. Again comparison is a problem when people expect you to see life from their eyes.

Matthew 12:46-50 KJV
46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.
47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

In this example we see that your own family members can be busybodies too. Yes, when Jesus was doing the will of His Heavenly Father his personal family members thought they had a better ideal for his life. Truthfully, they were following the will of the flesh (other people and their own carnal reasoning under Satan’s influence) that thought He was out of line. Yes, Jesus was out of line with the traditions of His elders but that is because some of their traditions were wrong and Jesus came to show us a new way of living and communicating with God. So all people who judged Jesus by what they saw previously from the religious leaders did miss God’s Will altogether. This was not God’s fault but rather comparison of God’s servant today being just like the image of a servant of God in their mind from their past.

John 7:2-10 KJV
2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.
6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.
9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

We see from verse 4 that there will always be people who think that they know more about how you should minister and what you should minister on that you do. Yes, even outside of ministry there are numerous people who just want to educate you about life and what is important to them from their own personal perspective. The funny thing was that the person giving counsel to Jesus (Yes, God, the Lord Jesus) didn’t believe in Him, so how accurate could that counsel be? The correct answer is it was not good counsel because it was not from the heart of God, our Father. Private time with you and God or you and people who believe like you in Christ is something to be cherished, so we should never take lightly our personal fellowship with the Lord. Definitely, when given the choice between outward strife with other people or inward peace with Jesus the choice is clear. We should pick Jesus all the time, even if this hurt someone else’s feelings. We should not be people pleasers but rather godly purpose driven. It is not that God or we are against people but rather we are for God because we love God first and foremost then we respond to people in His Wisdom. God hates discord and strife according to Proverbs 6:16-19 so we should have no part in that type of conversation or gathering. Notice that Jesus dwelt alone because it is better to dwell apart from people who don’t support your vision. Since His own family did not believe on Him it was not wise to go to the feast with the fellowship of His family as opposed to the peace and tranquility of God, His Father. We too, must be harmless as doves but as wise as a serpent. This means recognize the traps of the enemy and avoid them at all cost. The problem is that in many cases people are used as a puppet for Satan’s traps. Although Satan is the sources of all strife he uses other people because it usually takes a person to engage other people. Therefore Satan uses to the will of men to ensnare other people into strife and division. This was an example of personal persecution against Jesus that He endured in all wisdom. Notice that this persecution could have been a lot worst if He would have allowed Himself to be exposed to this communication of questioning and reasoning (spiritual opposition) all the way to the feast. We (ihlcc) practice peace on a regular basis so we do separate ourselves from those who only want to question, idle talk, and reason about what they personally think and do because right now in our life that doesn’t seem as important as spending time with God’s peace due to His presence in our life. Amen! We are in a war people and the soon we all (as the Body of Christ) realize that the better for the whole Body of Christ corporately and all members individually.

How to overcome busybodiness

1 - Meditate on God’s Word – by meditating upon God’s Word you take your attention off of man and place it upon God. Therefore Jesus becomes your vision and you start seeing others through the eyes of Christ (God’s Word). Change must come about through the inner man (your spirit and soul) first to effectively change the outer man (your body, your actions)

Joshua 1:7-8 KJV
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Psalms 1:1-2 KJV
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

2 - Practice being quiet – by being quiet you calm (tame) the tongue and keep it from speaking things it ought not. Thus you become more secure in yourself and God as opposed to just following the crowd of loud talkers (boasters) and busybodies.

Isaiah 30:15 KJV For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

Notice the Lord said, “and you would not”. This means that the majority of people in the world don’t keep their mouth closed. God said exactly what we should do but man doesn’t do his part due to rebellion or ignorance.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 KJV
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Notice this verse points out again that you should be doing your own business which implies you are not to do someone else’s business.

1 Peter 3:4 KJV
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

This verse points out that a quiet spirit knows how to listen to God and that will translate into a quiet mouth that can be still. However, if your spirit is not at rest your tongue will not rest either. Thus, you will always have something to say even when you should be quiet (keeping your mouth shut). There are some people who out talk God and with those people the Lord can never get a word in edge wise.

3 - Walk in Love – When we walk in love we are constantly thinking about the other person. This means that if what I am speaking is not helping the other person I shouldn’t say it. This is even true for minsters because if what I am speaking isn’t helping people to know truth I, as a minister of God, should keep my personal viewpoints to myself. The Lord’s love for mankind keeps His Word sure and secure so we should never minimize His words for man’s in comparison to our words about the personal affairs of men.

James 4:10-12 KJV
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Speaking evil of other’s questions their decisions and motives as a judge and jury over an accused person (as a criminal) but we should not be a judge or jury member compiling all the information we can on other people. Every person will stand before God, so it is better to let the Lord and that person workout the details of their life while we workout on our own life with the Lord about our own calling before God.

Romans 13:8-10 KJV
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Loves thinks highly of others so love will not speak vainly, or idly, or negatively about another. If we don’t want others speaking unprofitable words about us, why would we speak them (unproductive words) about others?

John 14:21 KJV
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Love keeps God’s Word so when we walk in love with others we also will be keeping God’s Word too.

4 - Speaking in Tongues – Speaking in tongues also helps in controlling (taming) your tongue because you get in a habit of yielding your tongue to a godly influence (the Holy Spirit) and it gives you additional power by keeping the fruit of the spirit active when you pray. This will help you hear from God and it will help you on knowing when to keep your mouth shut and it will help you constrain your words through the strength of your spirit dominating your flesh. Remember 2 Corinthians 5:14a KJV which states, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; …”

1 Corinthians 14:4 KJV
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Jude 1:20 KJV
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

We see in both these verses of scripture the same thing being said whether you use the word “edify” (which means to instruct and improve, or enlighten) or the word “build up” (which basically means strengthen) you are helping yourself both spiritually and physically because as we stated earlier change must come from the inside to the outside. The help you are receiving is spiritual and that spiritual help is accessed through faith in God’s Holy Spirit to help you. This grace of God is available to all believers but those who use the gift of speaking in tongues are at a sure advantage when it comes to spiritual strength according to God’s Holy Word. This spiritual strength transforms the body into submission to God’s Word. This is why the scripture states taking up your cross (crucify your flesh) to wholly follow Jesus. Refer to Matthew 16:24-25 KJV

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Of course there are many different ways to suppress “busybodiness” but we (ihlcc) have only listed a few to get you pointed in the right direction. As you endeavor to crucify your own flesh in this area be open to what the Lord is showing you. As with all the things of God your willingness and obedience to His specific instructions to you will always prove prosperous in your own life in Jesus Name. As always we love you and wish (desire) that you grow-up in the Grace of God through knowledge of our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

PS – Authority is a different matter because when someone is under you according to God’s ordained authority (divine order) the person in authority must give account of how they treated you unto God. Therefore, what you do and where you are at mentally and spiritually is important to the authority figure and God. This also goes both ways the person in submission can ask some questions to the ones over them, if the solution or instruction involves them. Refer to Hebrews 13:17, Ephesians 6:1-9, 1 Peter 2:13-19 and 5:5 Example does the Lord ever ask you questions? If so why? (The answer is yes, so that you can do His Will with understanding.) Thus , the Lords questions have purpose because He has a certain interest and direction for you personally. This is also truth for those in authority over us so we must be accountable unto men of a higher position. Proverbs 27:23 KJV states, “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.”