Gossip

Gossip

Why should we never listen to gossip?

God’s Response

Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. Leviticus 19:16

A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. Proverbs 11:13

Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. Proverbs 26:20

Gossip blends two other sins: lying and stealing. First, it uses half-truths or outright lies to throw doubt on the character of another person. Second, when you gossip about someone you are stealing something from them—an honorable reputation. You are also using information that belongs to them without their permission. Words that go out can’t be gathered in again. With a single sentence you can ruin the reputation of another person. Gossip leads to divided communities, hatred, and premature judgment. Gossip has even been likened to murder because it is the assassination of someone’s reputation and character.

God’s Challenge

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29