The Danger of Gossip
August 25th, 2009We all know it is wrong to spread rumors and talk behind others’ backs (i.e., to gossip), but we don’t always treat it as the problem it is. It seems so entertaining and everyone seems to participate so we think it a small matter. Yet, gossiping is listed in the same breath with sins such as idolatry, homosexuality, and murder (Romans 1:29-30). It is equated with legal injustice in Leviticus 19:16. We need to realize the great damage gossip creates.
First, gossip harms the one you gossip about. Although we know no one wants to be gossiped about, we sometimes fail to realize the intense pain and hurt it causes others. The Psalms are full of prayers regarding the hurt caused by gossip and slander (cf. Psalm 69:20, 120:1-2, 123, and Lamentations 3:55-66), Most people have felt the sting and injustice of being gossiped about at some point in their lives. Next time you find yourself tempted to participate in gossip (by listening or speaking), remember how you felt at a when others gossiped about you.
Second, gossip harms the listener. In a sense, listening to gossip is what led to the fall of man in the garden of Eden; Eve listened to the serpent’s gossip about God. Proverbs 18:8 tells us the words of gossip are like tiny morsels of bread that go into the innermost parts of our body. Just as our bodies eat up the morsel of food and distribute it even to our deepest parts, so gossip is distributed even to the depths of our minds. Also like that morsel of bread, once swallowed and digested, it is very difficult to remove. What we hear of another will affect how we think of him or her from the hearing onward, even if we find that what we heard was false. We need to guard our minds and think better thoughts than gossip brings into them (cf. Philippians 4:8-9).
Third, gossiping harms the teller. Gossiping can have severe repercussions in life. First, the same harm done to the one listening to gossip is also done to the teller. Gossiping alienates others, makes the gossiper bitter, and untrustworthy. In addition, gossiping makes one unfit to worship God (cf. Psalm 15:1-3).
We need to realize that gossiping is no laughing matter. It is a serious sin. Participating in gossip–by listening or sharing– does great harm to others and even greater harm to your spiritual life. Today is the day to repent of this infectious and devastating sin.
