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Gossip — Like “Tasty Trifles”

The Proverb writer tells us that gossip is like “tasty trifles” (Proverbs 26:22). We like to hear gossip and share it with others because it “tastes” good. Gossip is rooted in our need to feel good about ourselves. As we bring others down, we gain the illusion that we are moving upward. That’s why spreading gossip is so difficult to resist.

However, there is a remedy to spreading gossip. Through the avenue of prayer, let’s ask God to bring us to the point where we refuse to pass it on or even listen to it — even under the guise of personal concern or a request to pray for a sinning friend in trouble.

Let’s ask God for the wisdom to know when to speak, what to speak, and when to simply restrain our mouths from opening (James 1:5). For “in the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).

It is often wise to be quiet and speak few words. But if we must speak, let’s talk of those things that encourage and move others closer to God (Romans 14:19) — not those things that will discourage and hurt them. Again, the Proverb writer tells us that “the tongue of the wise promotes health” (Proverbs 12:18).

Let’s remember that when a fire finishes burning through the material it feeds on, it will go out. Similarly, when gossip reaches the ear of someone who will not listen to it or repeat it, it will die (Proverbs 26:20).