George Bernard Shaw is attributed with the following witticism: “The things most people want to know about are usually none of their business.” Unfortunately, our current cultural milieu only serves to reinforce that sentiment. And as much as I wish this was not true of the Church, the pull and influence of the world is strong.
One of the most perverse things Christians do is run their mouths about other believers. It’s truly disgusting.
At the expense of their spiritual brothers’ and sisters’ peace, reputation and trust, people slide into the latest tasty rumor like an avalanche of marshmallows sliding into a fresh mug of hot cocoa.
The Hebrew wisdom literature is rife with passages like:
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret”1 and “a perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”2
The Law given by God instructed the Israelites: “Do not go about spreading slander among your people.”3
James riffs on this in his letter: “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.”4
Paul’s letter to Timothy condemns those who act as “gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.”5
In the opening homily of Romans, “gossips” and “slanderers” are mentioned in the list of sinful patterns of human brokenness that are part and parcel of the depraved mind.6
Gossip = gross.
It's not cute.
It's not innocent.
It's not "just out of concern."
It's not "so we can be praying for them."
It's not inconsequential.
And it's not hidden before God. Beware.
Scripture condemns the act of gossip. It runs perpendicular against the paradigm of setting our minds on the good, true and beautiful things of God (Php. 4:8-9). There's literally no place for it in the Kingdom.
Spreading slander, backbiting, telling secrets, talking maliciously, or raising conjecture about people's personal situations is objectively, morally wrong. Honestly, even just talking about someone's circumstance that has not been made my business can easily mutate into full-fledged gossip. Then what happens? The damage to people’s relationships can be earth-shattering. People of the Spirit must choose to resist.
“The best ammunition against lies is the truth, there is no ammunition against gossip.”
— Ernest Hemingway
Maybe you’re someone who uniquely struggles with this problem.
The solution? Stop talking. Seriously.
Seek God. Grow in intimacy and prayer. Find a constructive hobby. Serve in your local church, study Scripture and read books so you and your friends have something actually beneficial and valuable to talk about. Enough is enough. God won’t tolerate consistent rebellion to His ways and commands from those supposed to be His loyal followers. He will chasten us.
Maybe spend a week in contemplative silence?7
It’s worth a thought. You know, thought? That thing you do in your head. When you… stop… talking.
*deep inhale*
*let it go*
Hey. Great start.
There’s more glory on the Highway up ahead, friends. Time to break with our loose-lipped habits so we can keep up with the Holy Spirit and the discipline He brings.
And, you know… STOP TALKING.
Proverbs 11:13
Proverbs 16:28
Leviticus 19:16
James 4:11
1 Timothy 5:13
Romans 1:29-30
For legitimate tips on getting started with silence and solitude as a spiritual practice, check out Practicing the Way: https://www.practicingtheway.org/solitude
Thank you for this Kaleb. It is much needed. God bless.