“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much… I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak” (PV 20:19; Mt 12:36)

Gossip is idle talk or rumor, especially about the private affairs of others. It is the work of the devil, a form of spiritual attack. The Hebrew word is defined as “one who reveals secrets, one who goes about as a talebearer or scandal-monger.” A gossiper is a person who has privileged information about people and proceeds to reveal that information to those who have no business knowing it. Gossip is more than just sharing information. The intent of the gossipers is evil! Their desire is to build themselves up by making others look bad; by exalting themselves to be like God, as the source of all knowledge and secrets. Gossipers speak of the faults of others, revealing potentially embarrassing details about the lives of others without their knowledge or approval.

In the book of Romans, Paul reveals the sinful nature of mankind, stating how God poured out His wrath on those who rejected His laws. Because of that He gave them over to their sinful natures. The terrible list of sins includes gossips and slanderers (Romans 1:29-32). We see from this passage how serious the sin of gossip is and that it characterizes those who are under God’s wrath. Men and women practice gossip. But the single or divorced women and also young widows have a higher tendency to gossip because they have more time to spend with one another and learn to talk too much. This is how they bring God’s judgment on themselves (1Tim 5:13).

Gossip is a very dangerous activity. It is a slow poison poured in the midst of families and church. Gossip may look like innocent entertainment but it is sin and God hates it! Because gossip is ‘sweet’ it becomes more addictive that heroin. Demons take control over the heart and the tongue. The character of the persons practicing gossip changes radically. They become trouble makers, liars, boasters, proud and lazy. Gossips need deliverance in the name of Jesus! (PV 18:8). The gossips become traitors, home-breakers, deeply hurting many (PV 11:13; 12:18; 20:19). The gossips ignite quarrels and divisions. They destroy friendships and can lead couples to divorce (PV 16:28; 26:20). The gossips are cowards, untrustworthy and rebellious people. They reject God’s law that says ‘love your neighbor as yourself’.  In fact, they hate their neighbors unto death. God is watching and we are to pay for every careless word we speak! “Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the LORD” (Lev 19:16; NLT)

What is the solution? Hope and healing is found in Christ alone! If you are a gossip, repent of the sin and turn away from it. Come to Jesus! Stop this wicked, restless and reckless way of life. Settle down! Learn to walk in the Spirit and live a godly life! If you are not a gossip but you have friends who practice this sin, then separate immediately from them. Do not associate with them so that they may feel ashamed of their conduct. The Holy Spirit will convict them of sin and He will vindicate your choice to withdraw from them. In this way, you avoid evil and you cut off the possibility of hurting your emotions, your marriage and your children (1Thess 3:6-15)! God will help you!