According to the Bible, gossip has been an issue since biblical times and is still a problem today. In the Bible, it is defined as idle talk and can be a sin if it is intended to hurt or harm another. Gossip is something that should not be practiced as it can lead to physical and emotional harm, as well as intentional or unintentional slander of another. In Proverbs, the Bible says “Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you” (Proverbs 4:24).
“Gossip is a sin because of the damage it can do to a person’s reputation,” explains the Rev. Dr. Mandy Smith, an assistant professor of Christian ethics at Southern Methodist University. Gossip can spread quickly and lead to hurtful outcomes, such as embarrassment, humiliation, or even loss of a job. People have the right to their own privacy and to not have their reputation tarnished by others’ gossip.
In the Bible, it is clear that Christians should not make a habit of gossiping. The Bible says, “Do not go about spreading slander among your people” (Leviticus 19:16). Speaking ill against someone is not a virtuous behavior, and God commands us to “do away with all malice, deceit, hypocrisy and envy” (1 Peter 2:1). In other words, we should not say or do anything that could bring harm to another person.
One of the ways to resist gossip is to be mindful of our conversations. We should think before we speak and should not make assumptions about other people based on rumors. We should also strive to show kindness, understanding, and compassion to others. In the Bible, Jesus teaches us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). This means that spreading gossip is not loving your neighbor but rather a violation of their right to privacy.
Another way to resist gossip is to be an example for others in our Christian behavior. We should refuse to take part in gossip and to not listen to stories which could bring harm to another person’s reputation. Refusing to hear or be part of gossip can be a strong witness to others. We should also encourage others to do the same when we hear gossip being shared.
Finally, it is important to address the root of the issue. Rather than listening to gossip, we should try to understand its source and offer help if possible. This could include offering support and prayer to the person being gossiped about, or offering encouragement and a listening ear to the person who is speaking the gossip. This can show them the right path and help them to avoid engaging in the behavior.
What Does the Bible Say About Refusing to Listen to Gossip?
The Bible also suggests that it is wise to turn away from gossip and to have no part in it. “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction” (Proverbs 13:3). We should be mindful of our conversations and ensure that we do not share unnecessary details about someone. We should also not idle away our time by seeking out stories which could inflict harm on another person.
If someone does try to share a story that could be damaging to another person’s reputation, we can refuse to listen by politely changing the subject or leaving the conversation. We should also speak up whenever we hear gossip and make it clear to the speaker that such behavior is unacceptable. By doing this, we can help to create an understanding that gossip is not permissible.
What Does the Bible Say About Gossip in the Church?
The Bible also has advice for gossip in the Church. The Church should be a place where rumors and unverified stories do not spread. If a church is a place of gossip, then it can have serious repercussions. This is because gossip and slander can lead people to lose faith, as it has the potential to replace the truth with untruth.
The Bible describes the Church in Ephesians 5:11 as a place of truth and light. This means that, within the Church, believers should be careful to speak truth and shun gossip. We should remember that we should speak to each other with love and respect. We should look for ways to encourage, edify, and build up one another rather than bringing accusation through gossip.
What Does the Bible Say About the Consequences of Gossip?
The Bible also describes the consequences of gossip. In Proverbs 16:27–28, it says “A whisperer separates close friends, and a slanderer separates best friends. A man of violence entices his friend, and leads him in a way that is not good.” When we gossip, we are essentially separating and damaging relationships between people. This can lead to broken trust and painful conversations. Gossip can even lead to physical violence because it involves the idea of vengeance and retaliation.
Gossip can also have spiritual consequences. In Proverbs 6:16–19, it is said that “there are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that hurry to run to evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who spreads gossip.” It is clear from these verses that gossip is a sin unto itself and that it not only damages relationships but might also be damaging to one’s relationship with God.
What Does the Bible Say About Healing from Gossip?
The Bible also offers advice on how to heal from the effects of gossip. Psalm 34:18 says “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This suggests that, when we have been hurt by gossip, God is there to lift us up and help us to heal. We can seek comfort in the Lord and His presence. We can also seek advice or counseling from our church family.
In addition, we can practice forgiveness. If we have been hurt by another person’s gossip, we should forgive them and move on. Forgiveness does not mean brushing aside the wrong done to us, but it does mean releasing the hurt and pain in our hearts and allowing God to restore us. Forgiveness does not make the sin go away, but it does free us from the pain it causes.
What Does the Bible Say About Avoiding Gossip?
The Bible also offers advice on how to avoid gossip. Proverbs 26:20 states that “without wood a fire goes out” and Proverbs 26:22 says “the words of a gossip are like kebabs on an open fire.” This means that gossip will spread quickly and easily, so it is important to avoid it. We should make sure that we are not part of idle talk or the sharing of rumors. If a conversation turns to gossip, we should politely end the conversation and remove ourselves from the situation.
We can also practice kindness and respect. This means speaking kindly to others and treating them with respect, regardless of what gossip may be circulating about them. We should also avoid talking about someone behind their back as this could result in the spread of gossip. Talking about people openly and honestly shows respect and can help to keep the gossip in check.
What Does the Bible Say About Repenting from Gossip?
If we are guilty of having gossiped, then we should repent and seek forgiveness. In 1 John 1:9, we are told that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We can ask God for forgiveness and repent of our sins. We should also apologize to those we may have hurt and seek to repair the damage our gossip may have caused.
What Does the Bible Say About the Power of Words?
The Bible speaks of the power of words. In Proverbs 18:21, it is said that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” This means that our words are powerful and can cause hurt or bring life and joy. We should be mindful of the words we speak, and strive to use our words to encourage and build up, rather than to gossip and slander.
The Bible also says that “a soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). We should strive to be kind and gentle with our words and try to avoid harsh language. We should use our words to bring peace and unity, rather than strife and division. Gossip is the antithesis of this, and so we should avoid it when possible.
What Does the Bible Say About the Purpose of Words?
The Bible tells us that we should use our words to reach out to others and show them Christ’s love. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). We should strive to use our words to uplift and edify rather than to tear down and spread hurtful stories.
By doing this, we will be living according to God’s will and showing love and mercy to all. We should also be mindful of how we treat others, and how our words can affect them. We should strive to speak with love and to treat others the way we would want to be treated. Our words have a powerful influence and we should be careful with them.
