“I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” a song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1966, was recorded by Gladys Knight and the Pips and later by Marvin Gaye. It became one of the biggest hits on the Motown label. Its point was that while the telegraph is obsolete, the informal transmission of information, gossip, or rumor from person to person is still going strong.
Solomon said that not only is grapevine gossip wrong, it is dangerous, unwise, and ungodly. The original word for gossip meant “birds picking up seed.” When applied to a person, it meant one who was an information scavenger, picking up seeds of information (rumors or facts) about others and foolishly or maliciously spreading them around. Solomon not only called this person an information scavenger, but he also categorized him as a fool (Proverbs 10:18).
Grapevine gossip leads to disastrous effects. It separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28), betrays a confidence (Proverbs 11:13), shames and saddles him or her with a bad reputation (Proverbs 25:9-10), perpetually fuels the embers of a quarrel (Proverbs 26:20), and is an indication that the person is not walking obediently with God. Therefore, God condemned grapevine gossip and implemented a zero tolerance policy for it because it tears the fabric of holy communion with Him and holy community with others (Leviticus 19:16).
In our world of e-mail, text messaging, Instant Messaging, Facebook, Twitter, and other communication and social media outlets, it’s extremely easy for any of us to become information scavengers and grapevine gossips. We can resist these temptations by avoiding people who talk too much (Proverbs 20:19), asking God for strength to avoid sinning with our words (Proverbs 10:19; Psalm 39:1), talking to God, and saying only what will build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29).
More:
Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).
Next:
What are some ways you can prevent unwholesome talk from coming out of your mouth? What words can you use to build up and give life to another person this week?
Debrinconcita on October 20, 2010 at 1:23 am
This is a great way to look at things. I loved the song ever since I heard it too. But, any words & different way’s to learn to live in Gods way is a good way to be for me. I can alway’s learn more from the Bible each day. something I didn’t know the day before.
hello on October 20, 2010 at 8:56 am
My life is full of mess and gossips are arounds me. I thank God that He shows me this devotion here tonight and to encourage me. Amen.
Schmitlin on October 22, 2010 at 9:34 am
Ephesians 4:29 always reminds me to be careful what I say. Ephesians 5:4 emphasizes this admonition to not use foul nor abusive language…filthiness,foolishness nor jesting. In this culture, where the most personal functions and sacred acts are made crude and comical in a most public way, it is difficult to keep oneself pure and ones words decent and edifying. According to James1:27, pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is …and keeping oneself unstained by the world. Speak only words that are good, helpful and an encouragement to those who hear them. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?