Dagger Tongues and Burning Ears

gossip

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“Gossip” in the in Old Testament means “talebearing”; “whispering that is damaging”, and a person that is a “scandal-monger.” It is a person who has private information or secrets about a person and reveals that information to other people. Jesus put it this way: “But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man ‘unclean’; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him ‘unclean.’ ” (Matthew 15:18-20)

Gossipers often want to build themselves up by making others look bad. They speak of the faults and failings of others or reveal potentially embarrassing or shameful details about others without their knowledge or approval. Gossipers desire to feel superior to others. Those who gossip are untrustworthy and should be avoided. Gossip often masquerades as concern for others. We fool ourselves into thinking that gossip is harmless. What we say affects others.

In the book of Romans, Paul described gossip as evil sinful nature and lawlessness of mankind, stating how God poured out His wrath on those who rejected His laws. “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” (Romans 1:29-32) See how serious the sin of gossip is and that it characterizes those who are under God’s wrath. “Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busy-bodies, saying things they ought not to.” (1 Timothy 5:12-13). Idle hands are the devil’s workshop and God cautions against allowing idleness to enter our lives. “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.” (Proverbs 20:19).


One of God’s commands is “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16) “Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.” (Proverbs 25:18).This may be primarily talking about lying but gossip is included in the command because it violates the law of love toward our neighbors. 

Anyone can engage in gossip. You simply repeat something heard or told to you in confidence. Proverbs tells of the dangers of gossip and the potential hurt that results from it. “A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11:12-13).
“A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.” (Proverbs 16:28). Lots of friendships have been destroyed over misunderstandings that started with gossip. Some people thrive and look for opportunities to destroy others. “ A fool’s mouth is his undoing and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (Proverbs 18:7-8). “As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (Proverbs 26:21-22) 

Like what is mentioned in Proverbs 20:19 (see above), avoid gossip. The wise King Solomon wrote, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19). It is destructive and someone is always hurt. “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” (Proverbs 21:23). Guard your tongue and refrain from the sinful act of gossip. Restrain yourself and practice silence. When we guard our lips we strike a blow at this malevolence. “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18). “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3) Follow the Bible’s teaching on gossip by keeping your mouth shut about other people’s business unless it is necessary and appropriate to speak to help and not hurt them.

Maybe you have been the target of “scandal-mongers” yourself lately. Take some comfort in that you are in good company. Take God’s servant David as one example, “All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying,” (Psalm 41:7) Jesus says, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” (Matthew 5:11) If you are serving the Lord, and people are spreading vile gossip about you remember that what counts most is what the Lord knows about you.

If you have been a gossiper, confess this as sin and ask Jesus Christ to forgive you. Surrender your tongue to Christ and do not gossip again. Keep to your own business. Keep your mouth closed if you do not have anything uplifting to say about others. Refuse to take part in gossip when it is being spread in your presence, walk away and avoid people who partake in gossiping.

There is a time that gossip is a good thing; shocking I know. “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” (Acts 8:4) Early Christians where scattered by persecution and they helped spread the message of the gospel everywhere they went and to everyone they met. This type of gossip is good in that it spreads the truth of the gospel. “My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long.” (Psalm 71:24) “Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.” (Psalm 105:2) The tongue is being an instrument for spreading the word of God. Witness to your family, friends, or even a complete stranger.

Gossips are both men and women, sadly can be Christians, is sinful, will be held accountable, adds to problems, is often untruthful, is hurtful, and is not in fellowship with our Lord. Think about this, the same gossips you associate with may be gossiping about you this very minute.

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