Gossips

January 6, 2008

By Jeremy J. Main

     Eleanor Roosevelt is credited with saying, “Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.” If she was correct, what does that say about those who gossip? Different people have different ideas about gossip. What do you think? Do you love it, hate it, or just do not care? Perhaps you might change your opinion if you were the object of gossip. Let us see what the Bible says about this topic.

    What is gossip? A gossip is “a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others.” Often, the information is inaccurate. Gossip is defined as “rumor or report of an intimate nature” (Merriam-Webster). Paul wrote that some “learn to be…gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not” (1 Tim. 5:13 NKJV). Slander is both foolish and sinful (c.f. Prov. 10:18; 2 Tim. 3:3).

    The LORD, through Moses, told the children of Israel, “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people” (Lev. 19:16). A talebearer is “one that spreads gossip or rumors” (Merriam-Webster).

    Solomon, king of Israel, taught against talebearing. Solomon wrote, “A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Prov. 11:13). Sadly, people enjoy hearing gossip despite the wounds which it inflicts. Solomon wrote, “The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles” (Prov. 18:8; 26:22). In addition, Solomon wrote, “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips” (Prov. 20:19). People could snuff out gossip simply by refusing to hear it! “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases” (Prov. 26:20).

    Backbitings and whisperings are condemned. While similar, generally speaking, backbiting is done openly, while whispering is done secretly. One example of a righteous man, according to David, is “He who does not backbite with his tongue” (Ps. 15:3). To backbite is “to say mean or spiteful things about [another]” (Merriam-Webster). One general consequence of backbiting is the anger it brings to those spoken against (Prov. 25:23). While whispering may mean to speak softly, it is used in the Bible to refer to gossip or to rumor. Strife is a consequence of whispering. Solomon wrote, “A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends” (Prov. 16:28). How much harm has gossiping brought to friendships? Paul rebuked both backbiters and whisperers (Rom. 1:29-30; 2 Cor. 12:20).

    Are you guilty of spreading gossip? Ask yourself these questions. First, is it true? Second, is it public? Third, is it kind? Fourth, is it necessary? If no, perhaps keep what you think you know to yourself.

Work Cited:

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Merriam-Webster Incorporated, 2000