Gossip "tastes good" when it goes down. It seems fine. What harm can it do? Many people rationalize listening to gossip when it is disguised as a prayer request. Many say, "just thought you should know...", but their heart is not aligned with love. Have I not said to speak the truth in love? This requires courage on your part, but love sees the real enemy. Love thinks of the other person first. Therefore, neither listen to nor repeat gossip. Instead confront it. Call it what it is. Sin. If you need to tell someone, tell Me. Pray to Me on behalf of the other.
The evil one uses gossip to bring division. There is never a good result from gossip. It only wounds those that partake. Use your words to bless others. When truth needs to be spoken, use humility. Always seek the best for others, especially those in the household of faith.
Proverbs 18:7-8 New Century Version (NCV)
7 The words of fools will ruin them; their own words will trap them.
8 The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food. People like to gobble them up.
Proverbs 11:13 Living Bible (TLB)
A gossip goes around spreading rumors, while a trustworthy man tries to quiet them.
Proverbs 16:28 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Gossip is no good! It causes hard feelings and comes between friends.
Proverbs 17:9 New Century Version (NCV)
Whoever forgives someone’s sin makes a friend, but gossiping about the sin breaks up friendships.
Psalm 15:1-5 Living Bible (TLB)
1 Lord, who may go and find refuge and shelter in your tabernacle up on your holy hill?
2 Anyone who leads a blameless life and is truly sincere. 3 Anyone who refuses to slander others, does not listen to gossip, never harms his neighbor, 4 speaks out against sin, criticizes those committing it, commends the faithful followers of the Lord, keeps a promise even if it ruins him, 5 does not crush his debtors with high interest rates, and refuses to testify against the innocent despite the bribes offered him—such a man shall stand firm forever.