Whisper Whisper: Why Gossip is So Toxic

Have you ever heard a really juicy piece of gossip? You always feel a little guilty (hopefully!) about having this knowledge about somebody - something private, and usually negative, about a person that is not meant for everyone's ears.

Gossip hurts. It isn't funny, and it's not worth your time. Let me tell you in all honestly - anyone who gossips to you will gossip about you. It's never fun to find out that someone is talking behind your back.

It doesn't even have to be about someone you personally know. Celebrity gossip is just as toxic. Put yourself in their shoes - I can't imagine what it must feel like to have your every move or life decision followed and commented upon. There are entire sites dedicated to the purpose of sharing and spreading celebrity gossip - usually with a healthy portion of snark and sarcasm. Anyway, who needs to know about any of those things? All too often we know "who's dating who" but would be lost if asked to quote Scripture.

So, how can we stop gossiping?

Even if you don't personally gossip (or spread stories about a person) others can still come to you with this story or that story. You can usually tell that someone is about to gossip if they start off the conversation with "Hey, have you heard about so-and-so," or "Did you hear that so-and-so..."

You don't have to listen to gossip. If that person is trying to gossip to you, you can tell them that you aren't interested. By listening to that gossip you are allowing that person to continue being toxic.

Let's look at the Word.

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29)

Gossip doesn't exactly build you up, does it? It especially doesn't build up the person the gossip is about. Have you ever found out that someone is spreading rumors about you? That's a horrible feeling - don't put others through that!

"A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends." (Proverbs 16:28)

Here gossip is compared to lying. Even if the stories are true, there is no reason for you to spread them around. This is especially important if someone confided in you. Don't you realize that by telling others about their personal issues you are breaking their trust? You can lose a friend - and that person is left feeling badly.

"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble." (Proverbs 21:23)

Have you ever noticed that truly wise people aren't always talking? They are content to listen and observe. When a person talks often there is a very good chance that something is going to come out of their mouth that probably shouldn't. Save yourself the risk of putting your foot in your mouth. ("I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it...")

My sweet sisters, you are so very precious in God's sight. Gossiping just isn't worth your time. Let's take that energy we would spend on getting "the scoop" and instead use it to encourage people. Sometimes a compliment is all that's needed to make someone's day. Every time you go out - look for chances to bless others. It will make you happy, too!

Have a wonderful day!