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” ( 1 Peter 5:15).
When we read, “let none of you suffer as a murderer or as a thief,” we give a hearty Amen1 But then the Holy Spirit through Peter takes us by surprise when he adds “or as a busybody in other people’s business.“
Paul wrote to Timothy “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). He wrote to the Thessalonians, “ And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;” (1 Thess 4:9).
Human beings like to give advise and judge, but we hate receiving unsolicited advice and being judged. The Holy Spirit says we should not do either one.
