GOSSIP!

 

Proverbs 26:20 NASB

For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no gossiper, quarreling quiets down.

 

Nobody is a stranger to gossip. We’ve either been the topic of gossip or the ones doing the gossip. We’ve listened, spread it, and been victims of it. There is no smoke without fire, but some smoke is founded on a smouldering ember fuelled by jealousy, anger, and prejudice. 

Gossip means malicious backbiting, slander, rumours, hearsay, and tale-telling. At its best, gossip whispers dubious hints, repeats information, and casts a negative light on another person. Although gossip is not listed as a deadly sin, I believe it should be, because it is a dangerous sin.

What is gossip then? Gossip is to prattle, to chat unconstructively, to talk too much, to run about and tattle; to tell idle tales that are usually defaming and damaging according to Proverbs 18:8. Gossip is rumours!

James 3:6 calls the tongue a fire; it is often the instrument that produces the most desperate contentions and insurrections. He goes further in verse eight to say it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Contention is like fire, its flames blown up by tale-bearers and whisperers.

Gossip is usually half-truths or outright lies designed to cast doubt on the character of another person. When we gossip about somebody, we steal their reputation. Unfortunately, words once spoken cannot be unsaid or recalled. With a single sentence or phrase—and sometimes even with just a look—we can ruin another person’s reputation, as Proverbs 11:9 warns us.

Gossip is lucrative and legal; newspapers, magazines, and news outlets run stories that are unfounded, untruthful, and sometimes downright cruel, damaging, and destructive. But according to Leviticus 19:16, God specifically forbids gossip.

Gossipers make poor friends. Stay away from them.

Gossips are demolition experts—tearing others down to devalue them. They use gossip to make themselves look good while shaping others into the negative image they want them to be.

Gossips speak of the faults and failings of others or reveal potentially embarrassing or shameful details about their lives without their knowledge or approval. Even if no harm is intended, it is still gossip—see Psalm 101:5.

Gossip puts us in the place of judging others by our standards, but God says not to judge in Matthew 7:1. Rumours and opinions are not allowed in a court of law because they may unjustly sway the jury’s verdict. Yet, we turn our living rooms, bedrooms, offices, cars—even the church—into a court when we sit in judgement over someone and allow rumours and personal opinions to colour and damage their reputation. Sadly, the accused may never have the chance to defend themselves.

Anyone can engage in gossip simply by repeating something heard in confidence. The book of Proverbs contains an extensive list of verses that warn about the dangers of gossip and the hurt it causes. Proverbs 11:12 says, "A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbour, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret." 

Those who guard their tongues keep themselves from trouble, according to Proverbs 21:23. So guard your tongue and refrain from gossip. If we surrender our natural desires to the Lord, He will help us remain righteous.

Before opening our mouths to say something nasty, mean, or untrue about another, pause and ask yourself if you would like to be in that person’s shoes.

As believers, we are meant to be peacemakers, not dividers of friends, according to Proverbs 16:28. That is exactly what happens when we gossip. And even if you think you don’t gossip at all, ask yourself: why do gossipers feel comfortable enough to bring their tales to you? Is it because you have gossiped before, or because you have never stopped them when they came bearing gossip?

Gossip is sweet but destructive—please keep your mouth shut. Be accountable for what you hear and what you say. Gossip and slander are tools of Satan!

REFLECTION QUESTIONS 

- Do you exercise self-control over your tongue, or do you join in to contribute what you know, saw, and heard?

- Do you choose who and what you listen to? How do you stop being part of gossip?

- When have you experienced the consequences of gossip—either from your own or other people’s words?

- Have you ever been a victim of gossip that impacted you enough to truly understand its damage?

PRAYER: Lord, help me to refrain from pulling people down with my words. Teach me to mind how I speak of others, and to always let my words be seasoned with salt, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/womenoflight/episodes/GOSSIP-e36u7u1

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