Quick, What Is Gossip?
In Matt Mitchell’s book Resisting Gossip, he says gossip is “bearing bad news behind someone’s back out of bad heart.” It is living out Satan’s schemes to tear down and rip apart. But isn’t it hard to resist saying things about other people that you wouldn’t say to their face?
5 Types of Gossips
In Mitchell’s “gallery of gossips,” meet five types of gossiping people. See if you can identify a gossip in your family, church, or workplace. See if you can identify yourself.
#1: The Spy
In Proverbs 11:13, the Hebrew word translated “gossip” means “‘a peddler (of secrets), a huckster/hawker, deceiver, or spy.’ This type of gossip is an informer. She convinces us to tell her our story then share it without permission.
A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. Prov. 11:13
#2: The Grumbler
Another Hebrew word commonly translated “gossip” refers to a whisperer. Whisperers murmur about another person to others; she shies away from open complaints about the person.
#3: The Backstabber
Backstabbing gossip overflows from a revengeful heart. The backstabber wants to hurt you. Click & Tweet! The backstabber typically spreads lie after lie. It is a smear campaign.
#4: The Chameleon
A chameleon goes along with gossip to to fit into the crowd. Click & Tweet! She is motivated by fear and is afraid of what others will think, say, or do if she doesn’t join in. The fear of man keeps her in this prison (Prov. 29:25).
#5: The Busybody
The busybody meddles in other people’s buisess. She gossips for personal entertainment and to live vicariously through the stories of others.
Please leave a comment or question at this blog post if you have a sec. I’d love to hear your thoughts and pray for you. You may also send me a message, if you prefer.
Sharing Hope with Your Heart,
Glad you’re finding good stuff in “Resisting Gossip,” Lucy! Many blessings on you and your readers.
Thanks for stopping by, Matt. Great cover. Even better discussion in the book. I think everyone should read this. Excellent.