Does the Bible say anything about snooping? In this part of the Bible, it refers to people who are idle and troublesome. Instead of being interested in their own work, they are prying into the work of others (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12).
My wife, who is from El Salvador, uses the word “مت干” or “meddler” for such people. These words are actually a slang form of the word “trash” or “trash lady” that is used depending on the gender of the person in question. But who really does not have such people around him?
In English, we call these people “fuddling” or “interfering”. They are the ones who love to interfere, disturb and even invade the privacy of others.
It seems that these people are nosy in every matter, even minor matters. Of course, their involvement is often presented as “helping”, but usually this help is unwanted and intrusive.
Maybe the reason for the nosy of these people is their dissatisfaction with the lack of excitement in their personal life or general dissatisfaction with their life. Maybe by drowning in other people’s problems, they find some kind of satisfaction.
Or maybe they also love to gossip and direct involvement in other people’s work allows them to know all the details. Obviously, at such times, they feel the need to share this information with others – albeit dressed up as a “prayer request”. Or worse, under the guise of asking someone else, “How do you think I should handle this?”
Noobs usually impose their opinions on others without asking or needing them. Many people find them annoying, nosy, rude, curious, annoying and overly inquisitive. But it seems that from God’s point of view, their sin is even greater than this.
The harsh words of the Bible about voyeurs
The Bible uses very harsh words to describe the snobbery, much harsher words than most people realize or remember.
In 2 Thessalonians chapter 3, verse 11-12 it is said: “We hear that some of you are idle and troublesome. In fact, instead of being interested in their own work, they pry into other people’s work. We command and encourage such people in the Lord Jesus Christ to rest and get the food they eat properly.”
Here Paul is talking about people who are idle and troublesome. Instead of being busy, they pry into other people’s work. The main Greek word that Paul uses here is “periergos”.
According to the Bible dictionary, the word “periergos” refers to someone who is preoccupied with frivolous and mundane tasks and neglects important tasks, but is specifically preoccupied with the affairs of others; In other words, a total snoop.
Paul also talks about spies in his first letter to Timothy. He tells Timothy about young widows:
“Furthermore, they get used to being unemployed and moving from house to house. And not only do they become unemployed, but they become noobs who talk nonsense and say things they shouldn’t say. (1 Timothy chapter 5, verse 13)
“Those who talk nonsense and say things they shouldn’t say.” Wow!
Therefore, Paul takes the matter a step further by referring to the absences that these spies make as they travel from house to house.
But Paul wasn’t the only one talking about spies. In his first letter, addressed to Christians “scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,” Peter spent time talking about suffering.
Peter and the advice about not prying (1 Peter 4:15)
In his first letter to Christians throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Peter addresses the subject of suffering.
He exhorts his readers that since Christ suffered in his body, they should arm themselves “with the same attitude” (1 Peter 4:1). Peter continues and says:
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the burning trial that has taken place to try you, as if something strange had happened to you. Rather, rejoice inasmuch as you share in Christ’s sufferings, so that when his glory is revealed, you may rejoice in the ultimate joy. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, because the Spirit of glory and God rests on you” (1 Peter 4:12-14).
And then warns:
“If you suffer, do not be as a murderer or a thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a peddler [Meddler]” (1 Peter 4:15).
It is remarkable that Peter actually lists slander in the same sentence and classification as murderers, thieves, or any other type of criminal. If you suffer – don’t let it be because you’re a murderer, a thief, or any other kind of villain – or because you’re nosy. This is a very strong word.
It may seem strange, but Peter makes it very clear that prying, meddling, is a sin as serious as murder or theft. If you’re like me, you’ve probably read this verse over and over again, but never really understood the connection.
Maybe you never realized the seriousness of the matter. However, the truth lies in this verse. Interestingly, this advice comes from Peter, who during his travels with Jesus, seemed to like to get away with everything.
Today in the article : Does the Bible Say Anything about Being a Busybody? We reviewed useful information about the Bible and the way of Jesus. If you wish, you can view other articles of Ali Vahidi about Christianity
