The Gossip
Gossip spreads like wildfire and burns just as bad
The merriam-webster dictionary defines gossip as: 1) a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others.
2) a rumor or report of an intimate nature.
In the Bible there are many verses that are about gossip and gossiping.
Gossip can be any talk that is hurtful or damaging to a person's feelings, their character, business, friendship etc
When you know something about someone or you think you know something, ask yourself, "is it any of my business?" "should I share it with others?" "Do I need to share it with others?", "will this hurt someone?".Usually the answer is "I shouldn't talk about it".
The Bible uses the term "talebearer", it is someone who tells tales, stories, lies. It is someone who tells stories about someone that are either not true or exaggerated or may be true but don't need to be spoken about, or you don't have permission to talk about or they may hurt the person's feelings.
Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
If or when you speak, is your speech uplifting? Is it something you would say if you saw Jesus standing right beside you. You know He is and hears what you are saying.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Gossip destroys, it sows discord. Gossip is not ever for the purpose of lifting up the person spoken about, it is to tear them down and usually done in an attempt to build up the gossiper or for attention.
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Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Proverbs 16:28 A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
When we hear gossip, we ought to stop it in its tracks, before it spreads and before we get dragged in to it.
Gossip is like a spark, it starts small but can ignite a massive blaze and it can get out of control and it burns just as badly anyone it touches. It always gets one into trouble.
Proverbs 21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
A gossip doesn't only destroy the life of the one they are gossiping about, it also destroys ones own life and credibility. It doesn't only go one way, like I said, it spreads like a wildfire in many directions and many get burned.
James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.
Proverbs 20:19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler
One who gossips and the ones who listen to the gossip prove themselves untrustworthy.
If you gossip, what does it say about you? You may think it is just fun or funny, you may even intentionally be trying to destroy someone's life or character. However, in reality you are also destroying your own character. Gossip says a lot about the gossiper.
Think about it
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
