The Devil’s Spit
Gossip is the Devil’s spit. God’s creation was subverted just by badmouthing Him behind His back in the Garden. God’s Son was condemned by hiring slanderers. Hitler detoured an entire nation through seductive oratory. No wonder the current weapon of choice in every political campaign is slander, gossip, evil report and backbiting. The poison of the tongue is the most powerful force of evil in the world.
No one ever gossips with himself however, a listener must be recruited. The accomplice is usually sworn into service by a secret oath of allegiance. “Promise not to tell anyone that I told you this?” “Just between you me and the fence post.” “Can you keep a secret?” What is not disclosed is that accountability is equally severe for both conspirators. “A false witness will perish, and whosoever listens to him will be destroyed forever.” Pro.21:28
The Bible is clear, “No man can tame the tongue.” [1] But we can choose what we listen to. Refusing to hear gossip is what prevents it and saves its victims from Satan’s venom.
[1] Jms.1:8