In a world where words spread faster than ever, the ancient wisdom of Proverbs reminds us of the profound impact our speech can have. Drawing from a recent sermon at Faithway Baptist Church, this article delves into the sin of gossip, exploring how it undermines relationships and communities. Through key passages from the book of Proverbs, we uncover the traits of those who engage in it, the damage it causes, and the biblical path to overcoming it. As Pastor Léveillé shared, gossip often starts small but can lead to widespread destruction, much like an errant cannonball that wreaks havoc far beyond its intended target.
The Character of a Gossip (Proverbs 10:18; 11:13; 16:28)
Gossip often stems from a heart filled with hidden malice, masked by smooth words. As Proverbs 10:18 states in the King James Version, “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” Here, slander refers to whispers or evil reports that defame others, much like the spies in Numbers who brought back a negative account of Canaan, speaking against God’s provision and leadership. This type of talk disguises hatred as harmless conversation, but it reveals a morally dull heart that fails to recognize the tongue’s destructive power.
Furthermore, gossips cannot be trusted with confidences, treating private information as currency to trade for approval or attention. Proverbs 11:13 explains, “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” The talebearer acts like a peddler, merchandising secrets from one person to another, exchanging them for admiration or popularity. In contrast, a person of integrity guards such matters, viewing them as a trust to be protected rather than exploited. This behaviour extends beyond personal gain to actively destroying bonds between people.
Proverbs 16:28 highlights how gossip sows division: “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” A froward individual, with a twisted heart and crooked speech, murmurs destructively in a polite tone, planting seeds of doubt and poison. This whispering drives wedges between close companions, acting as relational arson that burns down years of built trust. Such people use words to harm rather than heal, peddling information that fractures fellowships. Before sharing, one should ask: Would I say this if the person were present? The root issue lies not in the mouth but in the heart’s motives.
The Consequences of Gossip (Proverbs 17:9; 18:8; 26:20-22)
The fallout from gossip is profound, often separating even the closest friends while reopening old wounds. Proverbs 17:9 teaches, “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” Covering a transgression means protecting dignity during restoration, not hiding sin to avoid confession. Love seeks to build bridges, whereas repeating matters, dredging up past issues long settled or forgiven, stirs strife and burns those bridges. Hatred fuels division, but love covers sins to promote healing.
Gossip’s words may seem enticing at first, like delicate morsels, but they inflict deep, lasting harm. As repeated in Proverbs 18:8 and 26:22, “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” These tidbits taste sweet, like juicy inside knowledge, yet they fester internally, acting as spiritual junk food that destroys from within. Listeners crave more, but once swallowed, the damage spreads, infecting hearts and relationships.
Moreover, gossip sustains and intensifies conflicts, much like adding wood to a fire. Proverbs 26:20 states, “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” Without fuel, fires die out; similarly, refusing to entertain gossip extinguishes strife. In churches and communities, unchecked whispers lead to divisions, with people leaving over rumours that may be old, exaggerated, or untrue. Even in remote tribes like the Marubo in the Amazon, the introduction of internet group chats filled with gossip sparked arguments and eroded unity, requiring limits to preserve their way of life. Gossip hands a microphone to division, destroying friendships, families, and fellowships from the inside.
The Cure for Gossip (Proverbs 25:9-10; 21:23; 13:3)
Overcoming gossip begins with direct, private confrontation to seek restoration. Proverbs 25:9-10 instructs, “Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.” Instead of uncovering secrets to shame others, wisdom calls for face-to-face resolution, echoing Matthew 18:15’s command to address faults privately. The goal is restoration, not destruction, as gossip spreads irretrievably once spoken.
Guarding one’s speech is essential to protecting the soul from trouble. Proverbs 21:23 affirms, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” This watchfulness, like a soldier guarding a city gate, involves restraint born of wisdom, not fear-induced silence. Psalm 141:3 prays for divine help: “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” A disciplined tongue leads to a blessed life, while an unrestrained one invites calamity.
Proverbs 13:3 reinforces this: “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” Never repeat what cannot be repaired or reconciled. Gossip reflects a grace deficit; speaking freely of others often stems from speaking too little with God. Direct concerns to the person involved or to the Lord in prayer. Celebrate restoration when it occurs, allowing Christ’s love to govern the heart and lips for healing rather than harm.
Conclusion
The sin of gossip, as illuminated in Proverbs, carries a high cost, promising fleeting significance while delivering lasting destruction. Yet, through heart renewal by grace, believers can choose words that build rather than tear down. May we commit to examining our motives, guarding our speech, and pursuing restoration, fostering unity in our homes, churches, and communities. As we apply these truths, let God’s wisdom guide us to speak in love, honouring Him in every conversation.
