Taming the Tongue: No Gossip Zone

Everyone loves a juicy story! Like flies drawn uncontrollably to light only to be zapped in the end, we are drawn into the decieving attractiveness of gossip. Everyone loves a good tale. But gossip is more than just a story. Gossip is the spreading of lies and rumors about someone. Gossip may be grounded in truth but with the flare of opinions and suppositions thrown in. Gossip destroys the reputations of others and tears people down. Gossip is very wrong and it is evil.

My sister owns a 5 star Salon and Spa. Because her business depends on providing clients with top notch service, she established it as a no gossip zone. Her number 1 rule to employees - NO GOSSIPING - period! Most of her employees follow this rule and it has lead to a positive work atmosphere and relationships. However, she did fire a young lady a little over a year ago because she broke this number 1 rule - repeatedly and in front of clients. My sister patiently worked with this young lady to help her overcome her nasty gossiping habit but to no avail. The young woman just couldn't resist the temptation and ended up losing her job due to her inability to tame her tongue.

We all know someone who is a gossip. This person always seems to have the scoop on everyone and their business. They may couch their gossip in feigned concern or sugar coat it to sound completely innocent, but it is gossip nonetheless. We must guard ourselves around such people and guard our ears and hearts from accepting gossip. Here's what Scripture has to say about those who gossip:

• Gossips can't be trusted: A gossip goes around telling secrets,but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. Proverbs 11:13
• Gossips are troublemakers and destroy relationships: A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;gossip separates the best of friends. Proverbs 16:38
• A sinful heart desires gossip: Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;liars pay close attention to slander. Proverbs 17:4
• Gossip is wicked: Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. Romans 1:29

The negative effects of gossiping impacts not only the person who is the topic of the gossip but also the gossiper.

• Gossip spreads slander like wildfire - once out of one's mouth, it can't go back in: They visit me as if they were my friends,but all the while they gather gossip,and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. Psalm 41:6
• People avoid gossips: A gossip goes around telling secrets,so don’t hang around with chatterers. Proverbs 20:19
• Gossiping betrays and ruins reputations - even that of the gossiper: When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret. Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation. Proverbs 29:9-19
• Gossiping causes arguments & quarrels: Fire goes out without wood,and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. Proverbs 26:20

Though we may not consider ourselves a gossiper, it is just as easy for us to fall into gossip's trap. We may love a juicy morsel of gossip every now and then and think nothing of it! However, we must guard our ears, heart, and mouth against both receiving and bearing gossip. The Bible is very clear that we are to encourage one another and build up each other. (2 Corinthians 13:11) Gossip tears down and destroys. It has no place among us.

So here's a better way as outlined perfectly in His Word:

Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest,and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.

Such people will stand firm forever.

Psalm 15:2-9

In His Love, Cathy