"A gossip betrays a confidence; but a trustworthy person keeps a secret." Proverbs 11:13
You don't want to be a gossip. There is no upside in being one. Gossip hurts neighbors, divided friends and ruins reputations. But too often we want to gossip. Gossiping can be fun, and it can become addictive. Proverbs likens the words of gossip to "delicious morsels," a tasty treat that promises delight to those who do. Proverbs 26:22.
I guess gossiping comes from our 'fallen nature.' "Your mouth says what comes from inside you." Matthew 12:34 Even though gossip comes 'naturally' we should refrain from speaking evil. I remember hearing an elderly believer being rebuked by her pastor for gossiping. Her response? "But what I said was true." Gossip does not necessarily have to be untrue. Gossip is the opposite of the Good News (Gospel). Everything a Christ-follower does must be motivated by love which includes our speech.
What's sad about gossip is that we do not understand the seriousness of this sin. But why are we warned not to gossip? Aside from the fact that it is not fitting for God's people and that God doesn't want it, gossiping is a very dangerous thing. God abhors gossip. Room does not allow me to share the many Scriptural passages against this sin. Here are three major dangers:
It brings people down. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:29 to "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."
It destroys a person's name and reputation. Proverbs 11:9 tells us that "The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered." Gossips destroy others with their tongue.
It divides. Proverbs 16:28 tells us that "A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends." Gossips divide people against each other, even to the point that best friends are no longer friends anymore.
I remember hearing a lady share a 'delightful' bit of gossip with her neighbor. Her friend said, "Please tell me more!" The gossiper replied, "I can't. I already told you more than I know."
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