Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend (Psalm 15:1-3).
These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him…one who sows discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16,19).
According to Wikipedia, gossip is defined as idle talk or rumour about the personal or private affairs of others. Gossip is to be avoided by those who want the fresh presence of God in their lives. It’s one of those lists of things He calls an abomination.
Gossip not only hurts others, it also breaks our fellowship with God. Gossip is when we say things about others when they’re not present that we wouldn’t say if they were present. It’s a noxious weed that needs to be pulled from our spiritual garden.
Over forty years ago I was challenged by a friend when I first began my life with God. I was in a circle of people talking, and I mentioned something derogatory about a person not present. My friend tapped me on the shoulder and motioned for me to come aside with him. He told me quite sternly that I should never speak that way again as a believer. He told me that we displease the Lord and hurt others when we gossip.
Initially I was taken back by his rebuke. I wanted to be angry and defensive, but deep down I knew he was right. That incident abruptly changed me and later I saw how much my friend cared for me by calling me on the carpet about my habit of gossiping.
Our words should bless and inspire, they should build up and comfort. The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary (Isaiah 50:4).
If you’ve acquired the habit of gossip, break it today! Go over these scriptures and meditate on them. The word has the power to change you! When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need — words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you (Ephesians 4:29 New Century Version).
Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Use your tongue today as an instrument of life!