Gossip
It was an odd conversation about another Christian leader, who had just been promoted to a position of national leadership. A fellow minister was raising some concerns about this man’s suitability for the position, but had no specific, tangible evidence for his hesitation: ‘I’m not sure what it is about him,’ he mused. ‘It’s just, when he stands up to speak, although his preaching is fine, there’s just something… I can’t put my finger on it… something that’s not quite right about him. It’s a strong feeling that I have. I think there’s a skeleton in that cupboard.’ And then, to endorse his unspecified suspicion, the minister added, ‘And I’m not the only one who feels this way. There are a number of people around the country who believe the same thing. Something is going to emerge, I’m sure of it.’
Brilliant. The newly-promoted leader’s character had been smeared, and all on the basis of a vague feeling. There was no evidence of anything being wrong, but suspicion had been raised – and passed around – simply because of a hunch. And for all I know, that hunch might have been created by jealousy, or perhaps an altercation in the past that had never been resolved. Christians have ingenious ways to hurt each other.
Scripture tells us to be careful about bringing accusations about those in leadership, but surely that unwillingness to engage in sullying another person’s character should apply to all people. Let’s not create suspicion with vague, spiritual nonsense. It’s called gossip.
But gossip is as tempting as a Sunday roast. Scripture tells us that, ‘The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts’ (Prov. 18:8). Perhaps that’s why rumour-mongering and negative whispering are such a problem in churches (and wherever human beings gather). There’s such a perverse delight in hearing and sharing gossip. Just as we thoroughly enjoy and relish every single bite of an exquisitely prepared and expensive meal, so gossiping is a rather delicious experience. Suddenly the person whose gifts and talents intimidate us is bought down to size, and we feel better about our own inadequacies; our hunger for scandal is satisfied. We are perceived as someone who is in the know, because we are privy to this inside information. Knowledge is a sign of power, and in passing on the rumour, we feel powerful. And in sharing gossip, there’s always the possibility that the conversation will unearth yet more negative news. All of this allows us to hurt someone we dislike, fear, are irritated or intimidated by, without ever having to strike a physical blow. Proverbs tells us that words can be like three terrible weapons – a battle-axe, a sword, and an arrow. That’s an impressive and potentially devastating arsenal.
Gossip is junk food. It leaves a lingering aftertaste, because we know we have been unjust and cowardly in our whispering. So, when tempted to gossip – and the moment comes to us all – please step away from that morsel. It will upset your stomach, and wound someone else's heart.
Other scriptures about gossip:
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. (2 Cor 12:20)
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. (Eph 4:29)
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless (James 1:26)
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it (James 4:11)
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool (Proverbs 10:18)
Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues (Proverbs 10:19)
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28)