Understanding the Destructive Nature and Consequences of Gossip

Gossip is an agency of the enemy used to sow discord, separate friends, and undermine faith in the truthAH 441.1+1. It consists of idle tales, frivolous chit-chat, and the repetition of vague reports or unjust censures that create a malarious atmosphere in the church1SM 171.4+2.

The Nature and Character of Gossip

• A Destructive Spirit: Gossip is an accusing and fault-finding spirit that violates the law of God and the rules Christ laid down for orderRH October 19, 1886, par. 10.

• Spiritual Cannibalism: Speaking slanderous words is described as spiritual cannibalism because it destroys others rather than feeding on the Bread of LifeVSS 145.3+1.

• A Twofold Curse: This practice acts as a curse that falls more heavily upon the speaker than the hearer, robbing the soul of true happiness5T 176.2.

• Habitual Sin: For many, evil-speaking becomes a habit that is practiced readily without thinking, often serving as a way for individuals to feel they are champions of virtue while actually indulging in selfishnessARSH November 12, 1861, page 187.8.

The Consequences of Engaging in Gossip

The influence of words and acts extends far beyond the individual, often wounding and bruising the souls of othersRH October 19, 1886, par. 10+1. It bars the way against the working of the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit cannot be poured out while variance and bitterness are cherishedCCh 248.4. Furthermore, those who engage in this work are bringing "hay, wood, and stubble" to the foundation, which will ultimately be consumed in the final judgment 1 Corinthians 3:9RH November 24, 1904, Art. A, par. 9.

Biblical Admonitions Against Evil-Speaking

• The Commandment: We are strictly forbidden from bearing false witness against our neighbors Exodus 20:16.

• The Talebearer: The Lord commands that we shall not go up and down as a talebearer among the people Leviticus 19:16.

• The Fruit of the Heart: Evil words are a reflection of an unsanctified heart, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks Matthew 12:34.

• A Call to Purity: Believers are instructed to lay aside all malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil-speakings in order to grow in grace 1 Peter 2:1-2RH August 1, 1912, par. 2+1.

How to Overcome Gossip

To preserve the health of the church, leaders must take firm measures to repress this spirit, and it should even be made a matter of church disciplineRH October 19, 1886, par. 10. If you hear a report regarding a brother or sister, the divine rule is to go to that person privately first to tell them their fault2T 54.2+2. We should resolve to discipline the tongue by disciplining the mind and refusing to listen to slanderRH May 26, 1904, Art. A, par. 9+1. Instead of criticism, we are called to follow the example of Christ by laboring patiently for the erring and speaking only those words that are pleasing to GodRH July 22, 1890, par. 2+2.