Gossip is like a Wildfire

According to dictionary.com, gossip is: idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others. Gossip is one of the most destructive of all human sins. It can be enticing to want to share information that no one knows about, and make you look like a hot shot. Nevertheless, talking about someone else’s personal affairs to another person (whether true or not) is gossiping.  The keywords are “personal” and “private”.  Obviously, the person wanted that information confidential  for a reason, so going around talking about it is rude, dishonest, and hurtful.

Spreading like wildfire, gossip grows and rumors are started.  Even if the information is true, it’s an invasion of privacy and generally tends to tear down a person’s character.  Not only does gossip devalue them, embarrasse them, and can humiliate them if the gossip gets back to them, but also defames the gossiper.  The Bible tells us in Proverbs 11:13, “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.”  Although it can be hard, the Bible challenges us to be trustworthy in all circumstances.

Personally, there are very few people who I feel comfortable telling private information to.  However, I have a very close friend who truly displays trustworthy character.  Even if I ask about another persons private information, she tells me that If she told me about that person’s secret then what makes me think she won’t tell someone my secret also.  That is exactly how I want to be. Remember to be a faithful friend by not sharing secrets!