Ephesians 4:29 provides a wonderful filter for the words that come from our mouths.

The Apostle Paul writes, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Pastor Rick Warren says, “When we are talking about a situation with somebody who is neither part of the problem nor part of the solution, then we are probably gossiping.”

I think that is a great definition.

People tend to feed on gossip. That is why the tabloids are so popular. We have all seen the headlines while standing in the grocery store checkout line. Online, there is always a juicy link you can click on to find out more about the latest news on your favorite celebrity. People love it. They listen to it. They share it.

It has been said that gossip can travel around the world and back before the truth can get out of the room. Social media just fuels this fire. It takes nothing more than a snap of the fingers or a push of the post button and everybody can know the juiciest morsels of gossip in just a matter of seconds.

Most of us have at least some idea of the pain gossip can inflict. Several years ago, I saved this clipping from an unknown source.

Nobody’s Friend

My name is Gossip.

I have no respect for justice.

I maim without killing.

I break hearts and ruin lives.

I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted, the more I am believed.

I flourish at every level of society.

My victims are helpless.

They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.

To track me down is impossible.

The harder you try, the more elusive I become.

I am nobody’s friend.

Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.

I topple governments, wreck marriages, ruin careers and sully reputations.

I cause sleepless nights, heartache and indigestion.

I spawn suspicion and generate grief.

I make innocent people cry in their pillows.

Even my name hisses.

I am called Gossip.

Office Gossip.

Shop Gossip.

Party Gossip.

Telephone Gossip.

I make headlines and headaches.

My name is Gossip.

– Author Unknown

Gossip involves listening as much as speaking. “Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.” — Proverbs 17:4 (NLT2) Whether speaking or listening, let’s remember that gossip is sin.

Steve Greene is the lead pastor of The Point in Seymour. Read his blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or email him at [email protected]. Send comments to [email protected].