January 16

Jan 16 - Today from Proverbs 16 we look at verse 28

"A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends."

As you go through the book of Proverbs it becomes very clear that God does not like gossip! The dictionary defines gossip as "idle chatter", idle in this case meaning "unfounded rumors". The King James Version of this verse doesn't contain the word 'gossip', rather is uses the word 'whisperer'. Hebrew is a very picturesque language, and this picture serves well. Gossip isn't something you publicly proclaim because it is unfounded - the 'gossiper' would come under scrutiny. The better way to get their little morsel out into the public arena is by speaking in small secluded groups in low tones - whisperers.
We all know from experience what gossip is - I can assure you that we have all been involved in it. There are 'gossipers' (those who speak) and there are 'gosipees' (those who readily listen). A gossiper would be shut down quickly if gossipees refused to listen. Gossip is the idle chatter. All who are willingly involved in the activity are guilty of gossip.
Who are the victims of gossip? The first victim is the gossipee. They have just been prejudiced against another person or group by receiving unfounded information - which means it has not been properly investigated and confirmed. If that were the case, it would no longer gossip. It would be 'truth' and open for public knowledge. It wouldn't have to be whispered any more. Most gossip is based on opinion anyway - it's subjective and is meant to influence people to move toward the opinion of the gossiper.
The other victims are the (usually) innocent victims of gossip. They are usually unaware of the unfounded rumors going around about them, and soon they find themselves either being avoided, or possibly objects of hostility. The reason God is so upset with gossip is because once the 'seed' has been planted, it is so terribly difficult to get all of the roots out - many an innocent person's reputations have been permanently affected by gossip.
How should we deal with gossip?
*First, stop and think. Ask yourself this question, "Does this fall into the category of gossip?" If it does, do not become a willing participant.
*Second, challenge the gossiper and ask good questions. "Where did you hear this?" "How do you know it's true?" "Why do you think this knowledge important to me?" "Shouldn't you go to that person and clear this up?" etc.
*Third, DO NOT PASS ALONG UNFOUNDED RUMORS. If, for some reason, the subject matter affects you or your life and it is important to get the facts, go to any and all authorities involved and do your own investigation. Make sure you are moving on solid ground.
Wisdom continually works on the principle that preventative maintenance is far less costly than damage control. Sometimes in dollars, sometimes in time, and always in effort. Shutting down gossip is good preventative maintenance - saving emotional damage and personal reputations.