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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The Hebrew word translated "gossip" in the Old Testament is defined as "one who reveals secrets, one who goes about as a talebearer or scandal-monger." A gossiper is a person who has privileged inf...
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Everyone has experienced the harm of gossip before. Whether the people talking didn't mean direct harm, the result of gossip is always broken trust and hurt feelings. Gossip can be defined as information about the behavior or personal life of other people, often without the full truth revealed or known. God's Word warns us to stay away from people who gossip and to guard our words when we speak about others! Scripture also uses the word slander which means making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation. Slander can destroy someone's marriage, job, wealth, and family. The tongue has power and we must be careful with out how use our words. The Bible tells us what words we should speak and which we should not. If you are struggling with gossip or know someone who gossips a lot, study Bible verses about gossip such as Proverbs 16:28 "A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends," and choose to help put a stop to it because it's forbidden -- Lev. 19:16; Psa. 15:1-3; Psa. 50:20; Prov. 11:13; Prov. 16:28; Prov. 17:9; Prov. 18:8; Prov. 20:19; Prov. 26:20-22; Ezek. 22:9; 1 Tim. 5:11, 13 See: Busybody; Slander; Speaking, Evil. Instances of -- Joseph, Gen. 37:2. Israelites, 2 Sam. 3:23. Tobiah, Neh. 6. Listen to my favorite singers, Gaither Vocal Band, "The Rumor Mill." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5h4vIc0T1U Lyrics Well, let me tell you a story about a local enterprise, There's one in every town, no matter what it's size. It doesn't turn a profit or bring any revenue, It's good for one thing and that's the damage it'll do. It's called the rumormill (called the rumormill). If it can be twisted, you can be sure that it will, 'Cause there ain't nothing sacred...... at the rumormill. The people that work there are all volunteers, Their only qualification is a mouth and two big ears. If the story's not clear enough, that's OK, They just doctor it up and then send it on its way. It doesn't matter who's involved or who is gonna hurt, As long as folks are listening, they'll keep shoveling dirt...... at the rumormill (at the rumormill). If it can be twisted, you can be sure that it will, 'Cause there ain't nothing sacred...... at the rumormill (the rumormill). And you're factoring lies! (Rumormill) The truth is disguised! (Rumormill) Where reputations are crushed... (Rumormill) Where nothing is untouched... If it can be twisted, you can be sure that it will, 'Cause there ain't nothing sacred...... at the rumormill (the rumormill). Now listen, my children, to this warning I make, We've got a lot to lose, there's a lot in a stake. The Bible plainly states you're gonna reap what you sow, And you'll be shown mercy by the mercy you show. So shut your mouth and ask your friends to kindly do the same, For you'll wind up as victim with no one else to blame...... at the rumormill (oh, the rumormill). If it can be twisted, you can be sure that it will, 'Cause there ain't nothing sacred...... at the rumormill (the rumormill... mmm, mmm... the rumormill). Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Jon Mohr Rumormill lyrics © Birdwing Music, Jonathan Mark Music
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
What does the Bible say about gossip? The Bible strongly condemns gossip as a destructive, sinful behaviour that divides friends, destroys trust, and spreads strife, viewing it as a betrayal of confidence, a sign of a depraved mind, and something that causes pain and division, with verses in Proverbs, Romans, and 1 Timothy highlighting its harmful nature and warning against it as idle talk or slander. It's seen as a serious offence, comparable to murder in its potential harm, emphasising using the tongue for good, not evil. Biblical Themes on Gossip: 1: Divisive & Destructive: Gossip separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28) and causes conflict, like a fire needing fuel (Proverbs 26:20). 2: Betrays Trust: A gossip betrays secrets and confidants (Proverbs 20:19). 3: Poisonous Speech: Words of a gossip are like harmful morsels that go deep (Proverbs 18:8). 4: Serious Sin: God takes it seriously, listing whisperers/gossips with grave sins in Romans 1:29, and calls for guarding the tongue (Psalm 34:13, James 1:26). 4: Idle & Busybody Behaviour: It stems from idleness and a desire to speak things not proper (1 Timothy 5:13). 5: Contrasts with Edifying Speech: Christians should build others up (Ephesians 4:29), not tear them down. 6: It characterises gossip as untrustworthy and warns that such speech flows from a corrupt heart. Key Verses: 1: Proverbs 16:28: "A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends." 2: Proverbs 20:19: "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much." 3: Romans 1:29: Lists gossip among those with depraved minds, worthy of death. 4: 1 Timothy 5:13: Warns against young widows becoming "idle, busybodies, and gossips, saying things they ought not to." 5: James 1:26: "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue, this person's religion is worthless." Difference Between Gossip and Slander: While often used interchangeably, they have distinct biblical nuances: Slander: Making false statements with the intent to damage someone's reputation (Exodus 23:1; Psalm 101:5). Gossip: Sharing private, often true, information about others behind their back without a valid reason to do so. How to Respond to Gossip: The Bible suggests practical ways to handle gossip: 1: Refuse to Listen: Since "an evildoer listens to wicked lips" (Proverbs 17:4), stopping the conversation prevents the gossip from spreading. 2: Private Resolution: If someone has a fault, the biblical model is to go to them directly and privately first (Matthew 18:15). 3: Encourage Edification: Shift conversations toward words that "give grace to those who hear" (Ephesians 4:29). What did Jesus say about gossiping? Our words reflect the condition of our hearts and provide a basis for judgment. Matthew 12: ESV: "36, And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Gossip and slander. Much is said in the book of Proverbs about the trouble, grief, and damage brought by gossiping, as well as the gravity of the guilt resting on the talebearer. The 'choice morsel' of a slanderer is "swallowed greedily" by its hearer and is not taken lightly but makes a lasting impression, going down "into the innermost parts of the belly." Therefore, it causes trouble, and the speaker cannot 'wash his hands' of guilt Note the words of Proverbs 26:27 ESV: "Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him." [The results of Slander and Gossip will always come back on those who speak such things]
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