Someone once said, “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” Isn’t it true? Yes, it is true.
Gossip is one of mankind’s most negative qualities. A gossip is an identifying mark of someone with a small mind. You know the guy. The guy that the first thing he says when you mention a mutual acquaintances name, is something negative about the person. They do it in front of others too. He’ll say the worst thing the person ever did or said. It’s even worse when a person in a leadership position does it. The guy who can’t keep his mouth shut. He’s immature morally and emotionally. He can’t handle a thing that’s of concern to someone else. Maybe the guy is an out-of-control narcissist who has no empathy and he’s the man in charge. He’ll shrug you off. Disrespect you like your feelings are of no concern; then he’ll gossip about you on top of it. It’s called “low character.”
When we do have to discuss others, it should be to build each other up, solve problems; not to blame, put someone down or gossip. A lot of people react to gossip and become gossips; easily moved into negativity, irrelevant small talk. People with great minds want nothing to do with gossip. It’s one thing venting a problem or feeling with oneself, but venting about someone else is touchy. Be careful what we say about others. Gossips look bad. They have weak consciousness; nothing they spit out bothers them. Couldn’t it be they’re jealous? Is it that their heart is hateful? Maybe.
What does God say about a gossip? You know who you are. There are 32 Holy Scriptures about gossip. Gossip is condemned as a destructive force that ruins relationships and reveals a dark heart attitude. God’s Word categorizes gossip alongside severe sins and warns believers against speaking ill of others. (Proverbs 16:38 Proverbs 26:20 Ephesians 4:29 James 1:26) If we don’t think that a gossip who talks bad about someone else isn’t going to talk about you, you are naive. Once you realize you’re in the midst of a gossip, “give them something good to talk about.” Small minds?
God condemns gossip so much he tells us to guard our speech. He counsels us on how to handle conflict directly. How to prevent slander and “intentional infliction of emotional distress.” Romans 1:29 specifically provides the condemnation of gossipers and slanderers in a list of unrighteous acts. The scripture concludes by stating that those who practice such things “deserve to die.”
Always Christian with love at Anne Fisher Foundation. Women Protecting Women and Children.
Amen! Amen!