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.

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Sharing Hope with Your Heart,