“The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.” Proverbs 26:22 NASB
The pain caused by spreading gossip can be incalculable. Medical research tells us there can be a significant physical toll, as well. “It can come in the form of untrue rumors or gossip about them or a loved one. It can also come through reactions to words or an image that’s been posted. Physical appearance, politics, and financial issues can all become the subject of online bullying which is a destructive form of gossip. It’s far from something to brush off. It can bring things like: Exhaustion, anxiety and depression. What’s more, all this talk can escalate to physical violence. When it’s not addressed, it can also cause long-term physical and mental health issues including: clinical depression, panic attacks, guilt and even suicide.” (WebMD) As you can see, gossip is not a harmless or small thing. The New Testament writers recognized the true danger and author of gossip and included it a number of times in very negative lists of sins. Today, guard your tongue and speak only life…or be silent. #BeTheEdge
“being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,” Romans 1:29 NASB
