Read Proverbs 8:8-13

My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.

I, wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.

All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.

In verse 13, the Lord instructs us to hate “perverse speech,” which would seem to encompass a variety of verbal offenses. Yet any list of perverted forms of speech must include gossip near the very top. If you have ever been the subject of a virulent strain of gossip, you understand all too well the truth of another proverb: “The tongue can bring death or life” (Proverbs 18-21).

Gossip has the power to destroy lives, even if it is based on truth. The Bible is very specific in its instructions for dealing with others. First Corinthians 13 - with its command to be kind, patient, forgiving, courteous, humble, and generous - sets the gold standard. Gossip runs contrary to every one of those attitudes.

Gossip can also destroy our Christian witness. How can we traffic in perverse speech and still claim to have the love of Christ in us? More to the point, how can we claim to love others while we destroy them with our tongues?

If we ask Him to, God will help us recognize our hurtful speech habits, including gossip. He will help us learn to love others as He loves them and demonstrate that love in the way we speak.

Take time to pray and:

Confess any gossip you've been guilty of speaking.

Commit to making your home a gossip-free zone.

Take time to discuss together or reflect on these questions:

When have you or your family been personally affected by gossip? How did you deal with it?

Are the two of you more likely to encourage each other to gossip or to use loving words? Give some examples.

What specific steps can you take to make your home a gossip-free zone?

Consider these passages for further study on Gossip:

Proverbs 11:9 With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

Proverbs 16:27 Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze.

Proverbs 18:8 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one's heart.

Keep what you observe and directly approach the person with your issue. If you need help or advice on how to approach someone, don't use it as gossip; instead, figure out ways to be in control of the issue.

Great guidance of Gary Chapman.