Let There Be No Gossipy Ears!

About two generations ago, preachers used to present sermons condemning gossip. We don’t hear too many sermons on gossip these days, but gossip still exists. One reason why people indulge in gossip, is that they find a degree of enjoyment in discussing the faults of other people.

Proverbs 26:22-ESV declares: “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.”

Newscasters have long known that juicy scandals make good news copy and sells newspapers. Why is the report of scandals pleasurable to them? It brings about an unconsciousness of their faults. Tearing down others make them feel better about themselves. Some folks just love to create a sensation, so they gossip in order to be at the center of attention. Likely there are other psychological mechanisms for gossip, but the basic reason is a lack of love. When we love people, we do not constantly pick out their character flaws.

The Proverb writer points out that: “Love covers all offenses” (Proverbs 10:12; cf. 1 Corinthians 13:7; 1 Peter 4:8). We don’t advertise sins of people we love any more than we would advertise our own. If we truly love someone, we are slow to believe any wrong that is revealed about them until we look at the evidence.

Gossiping can be overcome because the Proverb writer declares: “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases” (Proverbs 26:20). If an individual ever comes to us bringing words of gossip, let’s simply tell them, “Since this matter is so important to you, let’s go and talk to the person or persons involved.” Nine times out of ten, the gossiper will suddenly vanish! Beloved, let there be no gossipy ears, for if there are no gossipy ears, there will be few gossipy tongues!

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets