“Gossip is one of those sins that masquerades as concern.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 8, 2025
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. Proverbs 16:28
There’s something almost magnetic about the moment someone leans in close and lowers their voice to share what they “probably shouldn’t tell you.” Your pulse quickens slightly. You feel chosen, included, and trusted with insider information. For a brief moment, you’re part of something, privy to details that others don’t know. It’s intoxicating in the strangest way. Until you realize what just happened. You’ve been handed a grenade with the pin already pulled.
Gossip is one of those sins that masquerades as concern, disguises itself as prayer requests, and hides behind the thin veneer of “I’m just sharing this so you’ll know how to pray.” But strip away the spiritual language, and what you’re left with is something much uglier: the deliberate spreading of information that damages reputations, destroys trust, and separates people who were once close. The writer of Proverbs understood something profound about human nature when he wrote that “a gossip separates close friends.” Notice he didn’t say gossip annoys people or creates minor inconvenience. He said it separates—as in breaks apart, divides, and destroys the bonds that once held relationships together. That’s because gossip doesn’t just transmit information; it transmits relational poison.
Consider how it works. Sarah tells you something unflattering about Jennifer, something Jennifer shared in confidence during a vulnerable moment. Now every time you see Jennifer, that information influences your perception. You start interpreting her actions through the lens of what you’ve heard. You become more distant, more guarded, more judgmental. Meanwhile, Jennifer has no idea why your friendship has subtly changed, why conversations feel different, or why there’s a new awkwardness where there used to be ease. The gossiper often walks away feeling satisfied—superior, even. They’ve positioned themselves as the insider, the one with access to juicy information. For people who feel insecure or insignificant in their own lives, gossip provides a temporary boost of importance. Suddenly, they matter because they know things others don’t. They’re relevant because they’re connected to drama.
But here’s what’s really happening: they’re trading their integrity for a temporary sense of importance. They’re sacrificing trust for the fleeting pleasure of feeling valued. And they’re damaging relationships—not just between the individuals they’re gossiping about but also between themselves and anyone with enough insight to recognize what they’re doing. The most insidious aspect of gossip is how it spreads. Like a virus, it doesn’t only affect the original host and target—it infects everyone it touches. The person who hears gossip becomes complicit in its spread, especially if they don’t shut it down quickly. Before long, entire communities can become plagued by suspicion, mistrust, and broken relationships.
There’s love and respect in choosing the more challenging path of direct conversation over the easier route of gossip. When you speak to someone instead of about them, you’re offering something valuable: the chance to be understood, to share their perspective, and to resolve misunderstandings before they solidify into assumptions. You’re recognizing them as a whole person rather than defining them by their worst moment or most disagreeable opinion. This kind of courage builds trust and strengthens relationships, even when conversations are difficult. It communicates, “I value our relationship enough to risk discomfort for the sake of clarity.” Choose to be the kind of friend who builds bridges instead of burning them. Be the person others can trust with their struggles because they know you’ll respond with prayer, not publicity. Your relationships—and your integrity—depend on it. The serum to gossip is loving courage.
Prayer
Lord, guard my tongue and heart. Help me avoid gossip and speak only words that build others up. Fill me with wisdom, kindness, and courage to honor You in every conversation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Who needs my loving confrontation in place of my cowardly gossip?
Related Reading
Proverbs 20:19, 26:20; Matthew 12:36; Ephesians 4:29; James 1:26
Worship Resource
Danny Gokey feat. Hope Darst: I Can’t Help But Worship
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