Gossip
For Women By Women
Submitted by Paula Neff
June 27, 2025
Le 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer….
There is much in God’s Word about the subject and dangers of gossip. While everyone is susceptible to it, women seem to be the most involved in it. What is gossip? While there are several definitions, one that seems to capture it well says, ”gossip involves the act of spreading information, often of a negative or sensational nature, about someone else, usually behind their back.”
Why do we gossip? We gossip because we have a sinful nature. Gossip is a way to make oneself seem important, well-connected, and informed.
Some Bible words used to describe a person who gossips are talebearer, whisperer, and busybody. These terms speak of the spreading of rumors, false information, or shameful details about others.
Gossip is like a secret craving. We know it’s wrong, and we say we don’t like it. But it’s hard to resist when it’s within reach. Gossip involves listening as well as repeating. You might never repeat something you’ve heard about someone else, but you will eagerly listen! And this encourages the person who is speaking and spreading gossip to continue telling what they think they know to others.
Gossip is one of the most destructive of sins. It can destroy a person’s character and good name; it hurts deeply (Proverbs 26:22 – “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly”). It divides people and distorts the truth. Gossip spreads falsehoods, separates friends, and stirs up conflict. Most importantly, it violates God’s law (Exodus 20:16, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor”).
How can you stop gossip?
1) Walk Away. Pr 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
2) Refuse To Listen. If it’s too late and you’ve already heard it, keep it to yourself.
Pr 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
3) Rebuke The Gossiper. God hates “a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:19). The gossiper needs to be told that gossiping is an abomination to God and something He detests.
Gossips have too much idle time on their hands—“...wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not” (1 Timothy 5:13).
Consider – Pr 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
