The dangers of gossip

“A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.” Proverbs 16:28.

Do you know the Bible, God’s word, has much to say about gossip? Google dictionary defines gossip in this way, “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as true.” Gossip reveals information about someone else in the conversation, social media, print, or any media.

Today’s insight says gossip of a slanderer stirs up conflict, and gossip separates close friends. Listen to the danger it can bring forth-separating close and trusted friends. Due to the bad consequences, the Bible says in Proverbs 20:19, “He who goes about talking to hurt people makes secrets known. So do not be with those who talk about others.” A gossiper attempts to talk about others’ hurts or failures so that he and the hearer (both) would feel good about their false superiority feelings in life. In other words, they are feeling good and superior at the expense of others and their reputation. The gossiper may have some unresolved issues or ill feelings with an individual. Instead of talking directly in person to find a solution, they look for an opportunity to talk to others to demean what the target person is attempting to do.

Proverbs 11:13 says a gossiper cannot be trusted with a secret. In short, a gossiper proves himself to be a non-trustable person. Listen to what the Bible says in Proverbs 10:18. It says he who spreads slander (or gossip) is a fool.

Gossip has several consequences. First, it separates good friends because of the doubts and unbelief the gossiper creates. Secondly, the gossiper can damage an individual’s good intentions because the secret shared is generally not based on verifiable truth. Thirdly, gossip can damage/attempt to destroy the good work began by a person. Fourthly, the gossiper becomes a person who can not be trusted. Fifthly, the gossiper becomes a fool eventually.

The Scripture shows us the first gossip and the eventual destruction it caused on this planet earth. In Genesis 3 the gossiper was none other than the serpent, the old devil. He attempted to damage the good intention of the creator, God. It was not based on truth. It alienated people from loving God and one another. It was a lie in the dawn of history. Trust with God and between one another were lost with a successful gossip. Although the first parents believed in the devil’s words, eventually, he lost all confidence and became a fool, ” for he is a liar and the father of lies”—John 8:44 (c). He and his powers and authorities were exposed, disarmed, and made a public display. God’s truth triumphed over them by the cross and saving power of God in and through the person and work of Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:13-15).

Beloved, please take note of the devastating danger and harmful consequences of gossip. Leviticus 19:16 says, “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor; I am the LORD.” God warns not to become a gossiper standing against the life and testimony of another person. The solemn warning is because of the name of the LORD. He says I am the LORD!

Aren’t you glad Christ conquered and triumphed over the old gossiper who separated you and me from God’s love and grace? By the shedding of his divine and sinless blood, Jesus paid for our unbelief and consequent rebelliousness against God and reconciled us to Him. This is Gospel or the good news that you will be reconciled and welcomed as God’s child when you come to Jesus Christ.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I am sorry for my sins and shortcomings. I repent about it. I confess my sins to you now. I believe Jesus died, buried, and rose again in my place for all of my sins and mistakes. I accept Jesus as my savior and Lord. Please save me now and make me a new person. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”