Gossip

By Dr. Michael Weis

“One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with a gossip” (Proverbs 20:19). 

Wounding Words
Proverbs is one of the Books of Wisdom in Scripture. These books give us practical guidance for living.

The verse above speaks of those who gossip. It tells us one thing about them – they reveal secrets. It also tells us what to do with them – don’t associate with them. It’s pretty straight forward, and any of us who have been slandered or gossiped about understand this truth.

Proverbs 18:8 and 26:22 tell us that the words of a gossip are like wounds. Sadly, these wounds often go much deeper than any physical wound afflicted.

One of the greatest unspoken of sins within the Church today is gossip. We are so quick to point out the sin of alcoholism, adultery, homosexuality, lying, and stealing, but rarely do we hear messages addressing the sin of gossip.

Gossip manifests itself in many ways. “Did you hear what so and so did?” “Did you hear about what he said about her?”  “Do you know what I hear?” Then there is twisting a story to suit our own purposes, making someone look bad, or inserting only certain facts to sway others to our favor.

That’s slander or gossip. It destroys families, churches, businesses, friendships, and even ourselves. We so quickly forget that one of the Ten Commandments is “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). While this references a judicial setting, it also can apply to speaking wrongly about people in any situation.

Stop Now
Too often we speak ill of fellow believers we have problems with to others rather than confronting them ourselves. Going to a person we have a problem with is precisely what Jesus commands us to do (Matthew 18:15-17).

When we gossip about slander and speak ill of other believers, we are doing harm to the Church. As the body of Christ, we are to love one another, help each other, provide for each other, and keep each other accountable. Gossip is the complete opposite of these things, and it must be stopped and repented of.

What about you? Do you gossip? Do you listen to gossip?

If so, you can stop gossip by walking away, hanging up, not replying to an email or telling the gossiper you will get the other individual he/she is speaking of so the issue can be addressed face to face. This works wonders in hushing gossipers.

Practical Steps
If you hear someone gossiping, tell them to stop. If someone accuses someone of something, let that person know you are going to find out the facts. If someone has a prayer request of a sensitive nature, ask if it is okay to share it with others, without mentioning names.

Learn who you can trust and avoid those who are babblers. If you feel you can confront them, do so.

Gossip is a cancer and must be purged. 

Dr. Michael Weis is a pastor, video operator, editor, and social media manager at Zion’s Hope.