"Never gossip." ~ Leviticus 19:16
"Whoever goes around as a gossip tells secrets. Do not associate with a person whose mouth is always open." ~ Proverbs 20:19
One of the most commonplace of sins is gossip. People tend to do it so often and without thinking that they suppose it does not matter. The fact is that even church-going people do not think there is anything wrong with gossip. But the word of God says that we ought not gossip.
What is a gossip? A gossip is someone who spreads rumors, tells secrets, and perpetuates or embellishes stories that may not be true. A gossiper is someone who spreads "news" about others that casts them in a negative shadow.
Interestingly, the word "gossip" originally meant "god-parent". Then it was used mostly of women [relatives and midwives] who would attend the birth of a baby. Eventually it came to mean anyone who is a tale-bearer, a busy-body, a rumor-merchant, and full of idle talk. One older label for gossip is "back-biting". The Scriptures consistently condemn it. "[Some women] gossip and get involved in the business of other people, saying things they ought not." [1st Timothy 5:13] Of course, gossip is not the exclusive realm of women - men gossip too.
What is the real harm in gossiping? It can destroy the reputation of an individual and can harm someone significantly. It causes prejudice and can lead to injustice. And it makes the gossiper look bad. Gossip tears down, and does not build up. Truly, gossip is no better than malicious allegation most of the time. Spreading rumors is not godly, but it is how the Adversary works. "Satan did go about spreading rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land that he might harden the hearts of the people against that which was good." [Helaman 16:22]
What should you do when someone tells you gossip?
You might ask yourself, "Is it really any of my business?" Changes are very good that the rumor someone is spreading really is not your concern. If you think it really is your concern, investigate the matter - do not be tricked into spreading lies or innuendos. If it is not any of your business in the first place, forget about it. In either case, do not spread the gossip yourself. "Without wood a fire goes out, and without gossip a quarrel dies down." [Proverbs 26:20]
Wonder to yourself, "If this person tells the secrets of another party to me, what will he tell others about me?"
Ponder the commandment to "do unto others what you would have them do unto you". How have you felt when you found out someone had spread rumors and gossip about you?
Tell the gossiper that you are really not interested. If you do not listen to gossip in the first place, you stop the problem immediately. Once you hear it, it is much easier for the chain-reaction to occur that might lead to you passing the gossip along. Whenever possible, just avoid listening. Remove yourself from it. Next time someone asks the tantalizing question: "Want to hear some gossip?", tell them "No." When you can, avoid people who are gossips.
Gossip is like a virus: it spreads quickly, and causes misery.
If you cannot, for whatever reasons, avoid hearing gossip, be responsible. Do not perpetuate the "evil speaking" by telling someone else. Do not "pass it on". Instead, "bridle your tongue."
David Bruce Clark
Lion of God Ministries
www.lionofgod.com
