Question: "What does the Bible say about gossip?

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Answer: 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 information about people and proceeds to reveal that information to those who have no business knowing it. Gossip is distinguished from sharing information in two ways:

1. Intent. Gossipers often have the goal of building themselves up by making others look bad and exalting themselves as some kind of repositories of knowledge.

2. The type of information shared. Gossipers speak of the faults and failings of others, or reveal potentially embarrassing or shameful details regarding the lives of others without their knowledge or approval. Even if they mean no harm, it is still gossip.

Question: What the Bible Says About... Gossip Are you a gossip? Did you take the Gossip Quiz to find yourself surprised at the answer? We live in a social society where we share in each others lives. We are also curious people, always desiring to be in the know. Yet, gossip is not helpful. Gossip actually serves to break the trust of those the people around you. The Bible has a lot of important statements regarding gossip

Whats Wrong with Gossip? Everyone likes a good story, right? Well, not necessarily. What about the person the story is about? Does that person like the story? Probably not. Spreading rumors only hurts others and destroys our credibility. Who is going to trust us with anything when they think well tell everyone else? Gossip is also a way we judge others, which really isnt our job. God is in charge of judging people, not us. Gossip really only ends up creating greed, hate, envy, murder. Gossip is also a sign that we are not really active in our faith and in our lives. If you think about it, the busier we are, the less time we have to gossip. We no longer have the time to get wrapped up in someone elses life. Gossip is bred out of boredom. It may start as a simple conversation about people, and then escalates quickly. The Bible clearly tells us to do more than discuss other peoples lives. Leviticus 19:16 Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbors life. I am the Lord. (NIV) Proverbs 11:13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. (NIV) Romans 1:29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips. (NIV)

1 Timothy 5:13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. (NIV) Matthew 7:1 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. (NIV) Proverbs 18:8 The words of gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a mans inmost parts

So What Do I Do About Gossip? First, if you catch yourself falling into gossip stop. If you dont passon the gossip there is nowhere for it to go. This includes gossip magazines and television. While it may not seem as sinful to read those magazines, you are contributing to gossip. Also, when you are faced with a statement that may or may not be gossip, check out the facts. For instance, if you hear someone has an eating disorder, go to the person. If you dont feel comfortable talking to the person yourself, and the rumor is something serious, you may want to go to a parent, pastor, or youth leader. Getting someone to help in a serious situation is not gossip as long as the information stays with you and the person you go to for help. If you want to avoid gossip, focus on creating helpful and encouraging statements. Let the gossip and end with you and remember the Golden Rule if you dont want people to gossip about you, then dont participate in gossip. Proverbs 26:20 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. (NIV) Deuteronomy 13:14 Then you must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly. (NIV) Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (NIV) Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen

WHAT GOSSIP DOES

1. Separates Best Friends

Proverbs 16:28 reads: A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

Proverbs 17:9 reads: Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separate close friends.

2. Starts Anger

Proverb 15:23 reads: Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time.

3. Leads to Destruction

Proverbs 13:3 reads: Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything

Criticism, Gossip, Judgment 7/30/2010 "The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'Bring the one who has cursed outside the camp, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then let all the congregation stone him.'" - Leviticus 24:13-14 NASB Too often, people feel free to criticize others. They judge or spread rumors and gossip with no sense of responsibility, no remorse, and no hesitation. Sadly, this kind of activity takes place in many churches, among many Christians! But gossiping is a violation of Biblical principles. According to the Law, no one was to be convicted based on anonymous rumors. In the case of blasphemy, no action would be taken until a person's accusers came forward...in public! All who witnessed the sin were to "lay their hands on his head." They had to name the charge and then physically participate in the punishment. This procedure made them think twice before verbally attacking someone or making an accusation. Jesus taught a similar principle when He said, "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private." You are not to gossip or even tell others about someone's sin, unless he doesn't "listen to you," and then you're instructed on how to proceed responsibly (Matthew 18:15-18). Jesus also warned that "you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak" (Matthew 12:36). Every idle word! Imagine how the world would be different if God's people obeyed this principle in His Word! If no one spread rumors or gossip! If we knew we had to make our accusations in public and then participate in the judgment! This would greatly diminish the kind of casual gossip that spreads so much poison. Today, think about these standards before you spread a rumor, gossip, or make accusations against someone. Remember that God is watching and listening. Words are powerful, so be careful what you speak. Prayer Father, help me to be careful about the words I speak. Keep me from spreading gossip and rumors. Help me to be a blessing and encouragement to others. In Jesus' name. Amen