Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:28, The Dangers of Gossip

by Marilynn Chadwick

"A devious person spreads quarrels. A gossip separates the closest of friends." Proverbs 16:28 GW

The Bible mentions the sin of gossip nearly a dozen times. Over half those instances occur in the book of Proverbs.

Previously, I shared how one of my wise young friends is intentional to speak well of her husband when talking to others. "I try to compliment my husband in front of others when he is present, but also when he is absent. In situations where it is tempting to criticize publicly, I try to say nothing and follow up on the conversation when we are at home in private. Then, I choose my words wisely—and above all, prayerfully."

The Bible cautions us about the seriousness of harming someone's reputation, warning us to "slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone" (Titus 3:2 NIV). The word translated "slander" is the Greek term blasphemeo. It comes from two words—blapto, which means "to injure," and pheme, or "speech." It can be translated as "to hurt another's reputation through slur or insult."

The Anglicized version, "blasphemy," is often used to describe the offense of speaking abusively against God. But it also addresses speaking against others. "For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly" (Mark 7:21-22).

Let's look at three more examples of Proverbs wisdom regarding gossip:

• "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much" (Proverbs 20:19)
• "Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down" (Proverbs 26:20).
• "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts" (Proverbs 26:22).

In the New Testament, Paul warns the church at Corinth: "I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish...that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder" (2 Corinthians 12:20).

It's sobering to see gossip and slander right up there with what we might consider "more serious" offenses. That should make us think twice when we are tempted to speak ill of another person—especially a fellow believer.