What does the Bible say about Gossip

[vesper]

What the Bible Says About Gossip?
Are you a gossip? Look we live in a social society where we share in each other’s lives. Gossip actually serves to break the trust of those the people around you. The Bible has a lot of important statements regarding gossip.
Everyone likes a good story, right? Well, not necessarily. What about the person the story is about? Does that person like you telling their story? Probably not. Spreading rumors only hurts others and destroys our credibility. Who is going to trust us with anything when they think we’ll tell everyone else?

Gossip is also a way we judge others, which really isn’t our job. G-d is in charge of judging people, not us. 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 else’s life.

Is gossip bred out of boredom? Could be... It may start as a simple conversation about people, and then escalates quickly. The Bible clearly tells us to do more than discussing other people’s lives.

Leviticus 19:16 – “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s 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 a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (NIV)

I just got off the phone with my auntie 84 who is still self sufficient. Still drives. Is active in her church and has a male friend for companionship. Yet she seems to know everyone's business in the retirement home. Tonight I called her out on it. She didn't much like it. She had proceeded to tell about a certain person who had the squad called on her two times last night at the retirement home and they ended up taking her to the hospital. Well instead of asking for prayer for a person in time of need, instead it was full of wrongdoings this person had committed. Mostly judgements of others.

First, if you catch yourself falling into gossip – stop. If you don’t pass on the gossip there is nowhere for it to go.Let the gossip and end with you and remember the Golden Rule – if you don’t want people to gossip about you, then don’t 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.” (NIV)

I called her out but in the end it was civil.

 

[trblmkr]

What the Bible Says About Gossip?
Are you a gossip? Look we live in a social society where we share in each other’s lives. Gossip actually serves to break the trust of those the people around you. The Bible has a lot of important statements regarding gossip.
Everyone likes a good story, right? Well, not necessarily. What about the person the story is about? Does that person like you telling their story? Probably not. Spreading rumors only hurts others and destroys our credibility. Who is going to trust us with anything when they think we’ll tell everyone else?

Gossip is also a way we judge others, which really isn’t our job. G-d is in charge of judging people, not us. 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 else’s life.

Is gossip bred out of boredom? Could be... It may start as a simple conversation about people, and then escalates quickly. The Bible clearly tells us to do more than discussing other people’s lives.

Leviticus 19:16 – “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s 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 a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (NIV)

I just got off the phone with my auntie 84 who is still self sufficient. Still drives. Is active in her church and has a male friend for companionship. Yet she seems to know everyone's business in the retirement home. Tonight I called her out on it. She didn't much like it. She had proceeded to tell about a certain person who had the squad called on her two times last night at the retirement home and they ended up taking her to the hospital. Well instead of asking for prayer for a person in time of need, instead it was full of wrongdoings this person had committed. Mostly judgements of others.

First, if you catch yourself falling into gossip – stop. If you don’t pass on the gossip there is nowhere for it to go.Let the gossip and end with you and remember the Golden Rule – if you don’t want people to gossip about you, then don’t 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.” (NIV)

I called her out but in the end it was civil.

Damn, Trump is so hosed.

 

[vesper]

I found this article helpful in how to handle a conversation with a gossiper.

http://www.sowhatireallymeant.com/articles/personality-traits/gossip/

 

[Sherman123]

What the Bible Says About Gossip?
Are you a gossip? Look we live in a social society where we share in each other’s lives. Gossip actually serves to break the trust of those the people around you. The Bible has a lot of important statements regarding gossip.
Everyone likes a good story, right? Well, not necessarily. What about the person the story is about? Does that person like you telling their story? Probably not. Spreading rumors only hurts others and destroys our credibility. Who is going to trust us with anything when they think we’ll tell everyone else?

Gossip is also a way we judge others, which really isn’t our job. G-d is in charge of judging people, not us. 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 else’s life.

Is gossip bred out of boredom? Could be... It may start as a simple conversation about people, and then escalates quickly. The Bible clearly tells us to do more than discussing other people’s lives.

Leviticus 19:16 – “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s 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 a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (NIV)

I just got off the phone with my auntie 84 who is still self sufficient. Still drives. Is active in her church and has a male friend for companionship. Yet she seems to know everyone's business in the retirement home. Tonight I called her out on it. She didn't much like it. She had proceeded to tell about a certain person who had the squad called on her two times last night at the retirement home and they ended up taking her to the hospital. Well instead of asking for prayer for a person in time of need, instead it was full of wrongdoings this person had committed. Mostly judgements of others.

First, if you catch yourself falling into gossip – stop. If you don’t pass on the gossip there is nowhere for it to go.Let the gossip and end with you and remember the Golden Rule – if you don’t want people to gossip about you, then don’t 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.” (NIV)

I called her out but in the end it was civil.

It's called Lashon Hara, and it's one of the worst sins but very common. We should all strive against it.

 

[Visbek]

Seriously? You chewed out your 84 year old aunt, for maintaining her social connections? What the heck?

Gossip is actually a critical component of social interaction. It can tamp down selfishness, enhance harmony in a community, keep groups in line...

Stanford research: Hidden benefits of gossip, ostracism

And do you really think it's a bad thing she told you that someone at her retirement home went to the hospital?

Maybe you should cut your auntie some slack.

 

[Goshin]

Very good post.


One thing I think we need to look at is "Define Gossip".


Where's the line between telling Jane news about a mutual friend, and gossiping about that friend?


IMHO, where "talk" becomes "gossip" is when it crosses one of these lines:

1. It is malicious, with intent to defame or embarrass, or worse.

2. You know it is unreliable, unsubstantiated, uncertain... but you pass it on anyway.

3. It is something that was shared with you in confidence, or you otherwise know the person in question would not want this to be public knowledge.

 

[MaggieD]

What the Bible Says About Gossip?
Are you a gossip? Look we live in a social society where we share in each other’s lives. Gossip actually serves to break the trust of those the people around you. The Bible has a lot of important statements regarding gossip.
Everyone likes a good story, right? Well, not necessarily. What about the person the story is about? Does that person like you telling their story? Probably not. Spreading rumors only hurts others and destroys our credibility. Who is going to trust us with anything when they think we’ll tell everyone else?

Gossip is also a way we judge others, which really isn’t our job. G-d is in charge of judging people, not us. 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 else’s life.

Is gossip bred out of boredom? Could be... It may start as a simple conversation about people, and then escalates quickly. The Bible clearly tells us to do more than discussing other people’s lives.

Leviticus 19:16 – “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s 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 a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (NIV)

I just got off the phone with my auntie 84 who is still self sufficient. Still drives. Is active in her church and has a male friend for companionship. Yet she seems to know everyone's business in the retirement home. Tonight I called her out on it. She didn't much like it. She had proceeded to tell about a certain person who had the squad called on her two times last night at the retirement home and they ended up taking her to the hospital. Well instead of asking for prayer for a person in time of need, instead it was full of wrongdoings this person had committed. Mostly judgements of others.

First, if you catch yourself falling into gossip – stop. If you don’t pass on the gossip there is nowhere for it to go.Let the gossip and end with you and remember the Golden Rule – if you don’t want people to gossip about you, then don’t 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.” (NIV)

I called her out but in the end it was civil.

I'd been with my real estate company for a few years. Had great respect for my broker. He always had my back. One of the other agents and I were talking by the water cooler, and Intold her how much respect I had for Frank. He'd been in the business for years. Very nice looking man. Extremely professional. And, as I said, loyal to his agents. She said, " Let me tell you some things about Frank that'll change THAT opinion..." I instinctively fired back, "I don't want to know them. I like and respect the man who presents himself to ME. No gossip, please."

We never talked much after that. I consider gossip to be destructive and hurtful. I think people who gossip most have low self-esteem and like to bring others down to their perceived level. Personally, I don't engage.

 

[vesper]

It's called Lashon Hara, and it's one of the worst sins but very common. We should all strive against it.

Thank you Sherman.

G-d sure has laid it on my heart that it is very wrong and to stay away from it.
It wasn't easy calling my Aunt my elder out on her gossiping. But I did and have no regrets. Today we talked. She told me how much she loved me and how proud she was of me. No gossip.
She gave me a couple of prayer requests and that was it. Amen.

 

[Visbek]

I'd been with my real estate company for a few years. Had great respect for my broker. He always had my back. One of the other agents and I were talking by the water cooler, and Intold her how much respect I had for Frank. He'd been in the business for years. Very nice looking man. Extremely professional. And, as I said, loyal to his agents. She said, " Let me tell you some things about Frank that'll change THAT opinion..." I instinctively fired back, "I don't want to know them. I like and respect the man who presents himself to ME. No gossip, please."

So if it turned out that Frank had screwed over one of his clients, you wouldn't want anyone to tell you about it? Or you'd only want to hear about it, if Frank was standing right there?

Gossip can be harmful... and it can also transmit critical information about people, about their reputation, about how they behave, about how they treat others.

 

[JC Callender]

I'd been with my real estate company for a few years. Had great respect for my broker. He always had my back. One of the other agents and I were talking by the water cooler, and Intold her how much respect I had for Frank. He'd been in the business for years. Very nice looking man. Extremely professional. And, as I said, loyal to his agents. She said, " Let me tell you some things about Frank that'll change THAT opinion..." I instinctively fired back, "I don't want to know them. I like and respect the man who presents himself to ME. No gossip, please."

We never talked much after that. I consider gossip to be destructive and hurtful. I think people who gossip most have low self-esteem and like to bring others down to their perceived level. Personally, I don't engage.

How do you know she wasn't trying to help you? Maybe she knows people who have been taken advantage of by this seemingly nice guy and was trying to help you.

 

[vesper]

I'd been with my real estate company for a few years. Had great respect for my broker. He always had my back. One of the other agents and I were talking by the water cooler, and Intold her how much respect I had for Frank. He'd been in the business for years. Very nice looking man. Extremely professional. And, as I said, loyal to his agents. She said, " Let me tell you some things about Frank that'll change THAT opinion..." I instinctively fired back, "I don't want to know them. I like and respect the man who presents himself to ME. No gossip, please."

We never talked much after that. I consider gossip to be destructive and hurtful. I think people who gossip most have low self-esteem and like to bring others down to their perceived level. Personally, I don't engage.

Low self esteem was one of the many examples of professionals claiming the cause of those who engage in gossip.

I liked what I read from the link above I posted, engaging in gossip makes everyone feel like they just ate a bad apple.

 

[Visbek]

Low self esteem was one of the many examples of professionals claiming the cause of those who engage in gossip.

...or, the professional could be trying to let you know that someone you trust is not, in fact, trustworthy. Reputation is critical in social conduct, and unless you know of some other means, gossip is an important way to distribute information about reputations.

engaging in gossip makes everyone feel like they just ate a bad apple.

"Everyone?" Speak for yourself.

 

[vesper]

"Everyone?" Speak for yourself.

Perhaps the writer was speaking about people with a conscience. People who conduct their lives to a moral code. People who have a heart and desire to not engage in malicious words against their neighbor from second, third, fourth sources. People who don't want any part of it.

 

[RAMOSS]

What the Bible Says About Gossip?
Are you a gossip? Look we live in a social society where we share in each other’s lives. Gossip actually serves to break the trust of those the people around you. The Bible has a lot of important statements regarding gossip.
Everyone likes a good story, right? Well, not necessarily. What about the person the story is about? Does that person like you telling their story? Probably not. Spreading rumors only hurts others and destroyhttps://www.debatepolitics.com/sex-and-sexuality/281281-matter-men-manliness-norms-and-expectations-wall-o-text-warning-post1066989051.html#post1066989051s our credibility. Who is going to trust us with anything when they think we’ll tell everyone else?

Gossip is also a way we judge others, which really isn’t our job. G-d is in charge of judging people, not us. 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 else’s life.

Is gossip bred out of boredom? Could be... It may start as a simple conversation about people, and then escalates quickly. The Bible clearly tells us to do more than discussing other people’s lives.

Leviticus 19:16 – “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s 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 a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (NIV)

I just got off the phone with my auntie 84 who is still self sufficient. Still drives. Is active in her church and has a male friend for companionship. Yet she seems to know everyone's business in the retirement home. Tonight I called her out on it. She didn't much like it. She had proceeded to tell about a certain person who had the squad called on her two times last night at the retirement home and they ended up taking her to the hospital. Well instead of asking for prayer for a person in time of need, instead it was full of wrongdoings this person had committed. Mostly judgements of others.

First, if you catch yourself falling into gossip – stop. If you don’t pass on the gossip there is nowhere for it to go.Let the gossip and end with you and remember the Golden Rule – if you don’t want people to gossip about you, then don’t 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.” (NIV)

I called her out but in the end it was civil.

What I would like to know , why are you gossiping about your aunt?

 

[JC Callender]

Thank you Sherman.

G-d sure has laid it on my heart that it is very wrong and to stay away from it.
It wasn't easy calling my Aunt my elder out on her gossiping. But I did and have no regrets. Today we talked. She told me how much she loved me and how proud she was of me. No gossip.
She gave me a couple of prayer requests and that was it. Amen.

That's very sweet. You called her out because you love her and want what's best for her and she realized it.

 

[vesper]

What I would like to know , why are you gossiping about your aunt?

LOL, It is not gossip of my aunt. Do you know my aunt's name? Is there anything that you could repeat about her that will personally effect her or those around her? No.

It was merely relaying a situation I had to deal with someone who is a gossiper that is very close to me. It's not easy confronting an elder on things you feel they should not do.

But I did because G-d's Word showed me I really needed too but in love. So I did. It turned out well. We talked again today. No gossip. Instead she asked for prayer for others in need. A good thing.

 

[RAMOSS]

LOL, It is not gossip of my aunt. Do you know my aunt's name? Is there anything that you could repeat about her that will personally effect her or those around her? No.

It was merely relaying a situation I had to deal with someone who is a gossiper that is very close to me. It's not easy confronting an elder on things you feel they should not do.

But I did because G-d's Word showed me I really needed too but in love. So I did. It turned out well. We talked again today. No gossip. Instead she asked for prayer for others in need. A good thing.

It's talking about the bad things your 84 year old aunt does. That's gossip.

 

[vesper]

That's very sweet. You called her out because you love her and want what's best for her and she realized it.

That's exactly right JC. Thank you.

 

[Visbek]

Perhaps the writer was speaking about people with a conscience. People who conduct their lives to a moral code. People who have a heart and desire to not engage in malicious words against their neighbor from second, third, fourth sources. People who don't want any part of it.

lol

Okay, let me know when you've caught up to my reading list on ethics: Rawls, Parfit, Plato, Aristotle, Rorty, Mill, Marcus Aurelius, Locke, Hume, Kant.... OK, OK, I haven't read Sidgwick, it's a bit of a gap, but I'm aware of his work.

Again, gossip is not inherently negative or harmful, and nothing you've said disproves its critical role in social relations.

 

[vesper]

It's talking about the bad things your 84 year old aunt does. That's gossip.

Do you know my aunt's name? No
Did I put a face on the person to be identified? NO

Was I trying to maliciously tear her apart? No

It was a family occurrence with someone I dearly love who has a problem with gossiping and I had a burden to share that with her. Do you not realize how hard it is to talk to an elder and call to their attention something they need to address that is against G-d's word?

The good news is today when I talked to her she did not gossip. Instead she focused on all the positive, told me she loved me dearly and I replied in kind. She even listed prayer requests for others in need of prayer without going into detail of why. This is great progress Ramoss!@!!!!!!

Praise the Lord!

 

[Visbek]

Do you know my aunt's name? No
Did I put a face on the person to be identified? NO

Was I trying to maliciously tear her apart? No

Sorry, but it's still gossip.

Merriam-Webster:
• rumor or report of an intimate nature
• a chatty talk

I'd say that calling your auntie a gossip is, well... an example of gossip

More to the point, "gossip" is not inherently negative. If your auntie says that her neighbor is dating someone, that is gossip, but it's not harmful.

I mean, really. Do you categorically refuse to hear information about your friends, from other friends of yours?

The good news is today when I talked to her she did not gossip. Instead she focused on all the positive, told me she loved me dearly and I replied in kind. She even listed prayer requests for others in need of prayer without going into detail of why. This is great progress Ramoss!@!!!!!!

Praise the Lord!

Seriously?

 

[vesper]

Sorry, but it's still gossip.

Merriam-Webster:
• rumor or report of an intimate nature
• a chatty talk

I'd say that calling your auntie a gossip is, well... an example of gossip

More to the point, "gossip" is not inherently negative. If your auntie says that her neighbor is dating someone, that is gossip, but it's not harmful.

I mean, really. Do you categorically refuse to hear information about your friends, from other friends of yours?



Seriously?

You already laid out your thoughts early on so for you to pass judgement on me is rather pathetic. You have no clue and I find that really sad for you.

 

[Visbek]

You already laid out your thoughts early on so for you to pass judgement on me is rather pathetic. You have no clue and I find that really sad for you.

"Judge not, that ye be not judged"

 

[vesper]

"Judge not, that ye be not judged"

I still feel sad for you Visbek because even using that quote you do not understand what was behind it. Good evening to you.

 

[MaggieD]

So if it turned out that Frank had screwed over one of his clients, you wouldn't want anyone to tell you about it? Or you'd only want to hear about it, if Frank was standing right there?

Gossip can be harmful... and it can also transmit critical information about people, about their reputation, about how they behave, about how they treat others.

I wouldn't want to hear it at all. I'd had a couple of years of experience with Frank. I wanted to judge him, if Injudged him at all, by how he treated me.

How do you know she wasn't trying to help you? Maybe she knows people who have been taken advantage of by this seemingly nice guy and was trying to help you.

She wasn't trying to help me. She was a gossip. She couldn't wait to tell me about his past. I wanted to judge him by his present.

Low self esteem was one of the many examples of professionals claiming the cause of those who engage in gossip.

I liked what I read from the link above I posted, engaging in gossip makes everyone feel like they just ate a bad apple.

I don't disagree.