Gossip is when we talk about other people behind their backs. Proverbs 26 says rumors are like tasty snacks. They’re hard to resist, but they do damage.
Tasty but Harmful
Proverbs 26:22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
Rumors are fun to hear and fun to share. But once they get inside us, they change the way we see people, and they can hurt someone’s reputation.
Stop the Fire
Proverbs 26:20 Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
A fire goes out when you stop adding wood. Gossip works the same way. When you refuse to pass a rumor along, it dies.
Protect Your Friends
Proverbs 17:9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
A real friend doesn’t spread stories. He protects people, especially when they aren’t around to defend themselves.
The Takeaway
Rumors might be tempting, but they hurt people. Stop the fire by refusing to pass them along, and protect your friends.
