I believe we all, at some point, have been guilty of indulging in gossip. I know I have. However, lately, I have been so busy getting things in order with my ministry, I have not had the time to worry about who is sleeping with who, who’s cheating, etc.

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)

When we gossip, it is obvious that we are not active enough doing things concerning God in our lives. If you have time to gossip, you could very well be doing something more productive instead. Gossiping destroys your credibility and often it tears down the person being talked about. People can get so caught up in spreading rumors about others especially when the “news” is juicy.

Proverbs 18:8 – “The words of gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (NIV)

I have been on both sides of the gossip chain. I have been the gossiper and the one being gossiped about. Neither are good sides to be on. Gossip starts off innocently enough that some people do not realize that what they are doing and saying are wrong. Gossip is one of the things we have been instructed not to do. Yet, just like any other thing that we are told not to do, we continue to do it anyway.

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)

I used to gossip a lot when I was younger. However, I am older now and choose not to participate in such foolishness. I avoid conversations where gossip stirs. I do not wish to discuss anyone’s business and I definitely do not want to bring shame to someone else. I have often avoided certain get-togethers because I know that the majority of the people there only use that time to talk about what they only “assume” about someone else. When faced with the opportunity to gossip, try your best not to participate. Avoid the conversation by changing the subject. There is always something less harmful to talk about… always.

Proverbs 20:19 — A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. (NIV)

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Ayana E.