What is Gossip and Why is it Harmful?
Proverbs 26:22 tells us, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts." This powerful verse compares gossip to delicious treats that we can't resist. Just like candy that's so good we can't stop at one piece, gossip can be addictive.
But what exactly is gossip? Simply put, gossip is when you talk to someone about someone else without that person being present. The problem is that our small talk often turns into sinful talk.
Gossip is something we've all encountered, whether we've been the subject of it, participated in it, or listened to it. But have we ever stopped to consider the true impact of our words?
Who Does Gossip Hurt?
Gossip is destructive and hurts three main groups of people:
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The person being talked about: Being gossiped about doesn't feel good, especially since gossip is rarely the full truth. The enemy often uses gossip to ruin reputations.
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The listener: Proverbs 17:4 says, "Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip." By listening to gossip, you become complicit. What you permit, you promote. By not stopping gossip, you're silently saying it's okay.
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The gossiper: Proverbs 25:9-10 warns that gossiping can ruin your own reputation. When you gossip to someone, they wonder, "What do they say about me when I'm not around?" This damages trust and relationships.
How Can We Stop Gossiping?
To prevent ourselves from gossiping and listening to gossip, we need to:
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Guard our ears: Be careful what you listen to. Faith comes by hearing, and if you hear the wrong thing long enough, you'll start believing it.
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Be quiet: Proverbs 10:19 says, "Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut." The more a person talks, the more they reveal either their wisdom or their ignorance.
When someone tries to gossip with you, try asking these questions to shut down the conversation:
- "Why are you telling me this?"
- "Does so-and-so know you feel this way? Have you had a chance to talk to them about this?"
Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I known for building people up or tearing them down with my words?
- When I hear gossip, do I participate or redirect the conversation?
- Are there word curses spoken over me that I need to release and replace with God's truth?
- How can I use my words to bring healing rather than hurt this week?
Remember, if you don't cut gossip out of your life, people will cut you out of theirs. Choose to be someone who speaks life, not death, into every situation.