There’s something so tempting about the antisocial delicacy of gossip. We enjoy it, even when it makes us feel guilty and ashamed. According to researchers, however, we don’t have to feel ashamed anymore because a little gossip is healthy. The researchers believe gossip is what keeps the culture going, greasing the social machine. “It’s a social skill, not a character flaw,” says Frank McAndrew, a professor of psychology at Knox College. “It’s only when you don’t do it well that you get into trouble.”
Well the Bible is very clear that a little gossip is unhealthy, and it’s what breaks down community.
The original word for gossip meant ‘idle talk’. This type of communication can lead to foolishly or maliciously spreading rumors or facts about another person. Solomon said that gossip could have disastrous effects. It’s used as an intimidation tactic against God’s leaders, (Nehemiah 6:5-8; Psalm 41:5-8; 3 John 9-10), separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28), betrays confidences (Proverbs 11:13), shames and saddles the one speaking with a bad reputation (Proverbs 25:9-10), and it perpetually fuels the embers of quarrels (Proverbs 26:20).
God has zero tolerance for all forms of gossip because we can never undo the damage our untrue words have done to a neighbor (Exodus 23:1; Psalm 101:5). Simply put, even a little gossip is too much (and is unhealthy) because it can destroy God’s holy community (Leviticus 19:16).
Let’s ask Jesus to help us set a guard over the door of our lips and limit our words (Psalm 141:3; Proverbs 10:19). We must also choose to associate only with people who use their words to lift up others (Proverbs 20:19), remain busy in working and doing good things (1 Timothy 5:13) and speak the truth about others in love.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 5:1-39
More:
Read John 7:12-13 and see how people gossiped about Jesus.
Next:
When are you tempted to be a gossip? How can you be an instrument of peace, quelling malicious talk about others?
tom felten on June 25, 2012 at 11:46 am
Marvin, thanks for this reminder that our words matter to God. It brought to mind what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” If we follow Paul’s words, our words about others will be all about good—not gossip.
winn collier on June 27, 2012 at 7:44 am
Contrary to the little ditty, words really can hurt. We’ve all felt the pain of them, and we’ve probably all caused pain with them. Good word here, though…
mike wittmer on June 28, 2012 at 3:49 pm
I regularly need this reminder, Marvin. I think we’re usually in trouble when we begin sentences with, “This can’t leave this room” or “This is just between you and me”