" I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way… Keep away from them."
— Romans 16:17 (NIV)
Not every voice that sounds spiritual is speaking for God.
Some voices divide what Christ died to unite—marriages, churches, friendships, families. And while the one who speaks may be guilty of stirring strife, the one who listens is not innocent either. Scripture warns us not just against those who cause division, but against those who give them an audience.
To lend your ear to someone spreading discord is to join them in their rebellion—even if you never say a word.
The Ear That Entertains Division Weakens the Body of Christ
Division rarely starts with a fight. It begins with a whisper—a suggestion, an offense, a subtle accusation. It grows when that whisper finds a willing ear. The listener nods, agrees, repeats. Before long, relationships are strained. Trust is broken. And unity is lost.
"A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends."
— Proverbs 16:28 (NIV)
The enemy doesn't need to attack from the outside when he can divide from within. And the first gate he often passes through is a listening ear.
How Division Speaks Today
Division doesn't always come with anger. It can sound spiritual, protective, or even wise. But the fruit reveals the root. You might be lending your ear to division if you:
Regularly listen to someone badmouth leadership, family, or friends
Give attention to people who sow suspicion, doubt, or offense
Find yourself increasingly critical after certain conversations
Entertain private messages or discussions that target others
Repeat negative comments under the mask of "concern" or "prayer"
Feel secretly drawn to drama or disunity
What begins as "harmless venting" can soon become spiritual sabotage.
The Spiritual Destruction Division Brings
When you open your ears to division, even passively:
Unity breaks down
Trust becomes fragile
Pride grows, humility fades
Bitterness multiplies
God's Spirit is grieved
The church's witness is damaged
"If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand."
— Mark 3:25 (NIV)
You may think you're staying neutral—but if you're listening without correction, you're participating.
How to Guard Your Ears From Divisive Voices
1. Walk Away From Toxic Conversations
If someone speaks against others with no intention of reconciliation, you are under no obligation to listen. Walk away.
(Proverbs 20:19 – "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.")
2. Confront With Grace
Don't just withdraw—correct. If a friend is sowing division, lovingly speak truth.
(Proverbs 27:5 – "Better is open rebuke than hidden love.")
3. Listen for Unity, Not Slander
Surround yourself with people who speak peace, honor, and restoration—not suspicion and critique.
(Ephesians 4:3 – "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.")
4. Refuse to Be a Dumping Ground
You are not a garbage can for complaints, accusations, or subtle rebellion. Set boundaries for your own soul.
(Proverbs 4:23 – "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.")
5. Pursue Peace Intentionally
Lending your ear to peace and reconciliation is spiritual warfare. Be a person who brings others together, not one who helps them fall apart.
(Matthew 5:9 – "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.")
Prayer for a Discerning and Peaceful Ear
"Lord, I confess that I have at times listened to voices that divide rather than unite. I've entertained gossip, criticism, and discord instead of truth and grace. Forgive me. Teach me to recognize division quickly—and to turn from it. Let my ears be tuned to Your Spirit, not to strife. Use me to build bridges, not walls. Make me a peacemaker in every conversation, and guard my heart from being pulled into conflict. In Jesus' name, Amen."