Through the Bible: ProverbsSample

Gossip – A Dangerous Sin That Bears Bad News

Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, quarrelling stops. Charcoal keeps the embers glowing, wood keeps the fire burning, and troublemakers keep arguments alive. Gossip is so tasty! How we love to swallow it! 

Proverbs 26:20-22 (GNT) 

You do not want to be a gossiper. There is no goodness in it. The Bible labels gossip as meddlesome and dangerous. Just as wood fuels a fire, gossip fuels quarrels. However, we may fall into the temptation of gossip. Gossip can provide a short burst of guilty pleasure. Proverbs 26:22 likens the words of gossip to tasty treats that promise to delight those who indulge. But we must beware. Gossip is not just hard to resist, it is hard to define!

Gossip is the opposite of the gospel. The sin of gossip is bearing bad news behind someone’s back with a bad heart. This bad news, often stories of someone else’s shame, could be false too, so we are never in any position to circulate or comment. This bad news, which flows from our mouth, sometimes come from the insecurities in our heart – speaking badly about others as a way of making others feel good about us. But thankfully, Christ secures and empowers us to speak edifying words that give grace to listeners and turn away from gossip (Ephesians 4:29-5:17). We can bear good news instead – speaking and listening out of a transformed heart that loves God and people.

Prayer: 

Father, thank You for the stern reminder that we have to give an account for every careless word we have spoken. Help us to bear Good News that gives life and not bear bad news that takes life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.