All about Gossip

It’s fun. It sells. And it’s really really hard to stop.

I’m talking about gossip.

Of course most of us don’t like to use the word gossip. It sounds almost dirty, sinful.

So we soften it up. Give me the down low, the 411. What’s the scoop with so and so? Or worst of all, we resort to sickeningly riveting prayer requests about you know who, who’s done only you know what, because of only you know why.

We’re in the know and for a moment in time we’re on top of the world. We’re better than him, holier than her, and would never even think of doing that.

How foolish and self centered we are.

God has a lot to say about gossip in His word. In Romans 1:29-30 God lists it with other sins like envy, murder, strife, deceit, hatred of God, foolishness and heartlessness.

That’s pretty heavy stuff.

I like what the God says about gossip in the book of Proverbs. Check these verses out:

• Proverbs 20:19 – A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man [or woman] who talks too much.
• Proverbs 11:12-13 – A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
• Proverbs 16:28 – a perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.
• Proverbs 18:7-8 – A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.
• Proverbs 21:23 – Those who guard their tongues keep themselves from calamity .

But my favorite all time verse about gossip is in Ecclesiastes 7:21. Here’s what it says “Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.”

That pretty much hits the nail on the head. What goes around comes around.

So if you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, here are 3 tips on how to deal with gossip:

1. Don’t participate in it. Do what you need to to avoid it. Be drastic. Walk away from conversations. Have lunch alone for a while. Put a sign on your desk that tells people you’re a Christian. Live in the facts. Above all aim to please God.

2. Take what people say with a grain of salt. I always joke that when people want to gossip about me I want them to make up some pretty good stuff. But the truth is that gossip hurts when it finally gets back to you. Motives are twisted, words are distorted, and feelings are neglected. Apply Ecclesiastes 7:21. Don’t take everything to heart.

3. Replace it with wholesome words. In Colossians 3:1-17 we are given a great summary on how to change in this area of gossip. It’s great to put off gossip, malice, and slander from your mouth. But you can’t just stand there naked. Find yourself a new outfit to replace the old. Instead of gossip, start singing and praising God. Use words to build up others, and encourage them. It may take some practice, but it’s a delightful exercise. Try it on someone today!

Does this blog post seem too drastic for you? Do you feel like I’m blowing this issue out of proportion?

Following God will always seem too drastic except for the one whose heart is surrendered to Him.

What’s the condition of your heart today?

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