The Whisper That Wounds: A Biblical Look at Gossip
- Illuminate the Truth
- Aug 21
- 4 min read
By Ashton McGraw & Chris Jaeger In The Light of Truth – A Podcast by Illuminate the Truth.
Welcome to In The Light of Truth, a podcast where biblical truth meets real life. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this is a space for honest conversations about the struggles, joys, and peace we experience as followers of Christ. Walking with God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Let’s grow together in the light of truth.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up… ”— Ephesians 4:29
Quick Takeaways
Gossip is “unwholesome talk”—sharing information (true or not) in ways that don’t build up or benefit the hearer. (Eph 4:29)
Truth ≠ permission. Even true details can be gossip when shared needlessly or without love. (Prov 18:8)
Words are powerful. The tongue “sets the whole course of one’s life on fire.” (Jas 3:6)
The heart overflows. Gossip reveals roots like pride, envy, bitterness; the Spirit produces different fruit. (Gal 5:22–23)
There’s a better way. Seek counsel wisely, handle conflict biblically, and speak words that give grace.
What Gossip Is (and Isn’t)
Gossip: Passing along information about someone without their good in view—often unnecessary, unhelpful, or unedifying. It can be factual and still be sinful. (Eph 4:29; Prov 18:8)
Slander: Speaking what is false to damage someone’s reputation. All slander is sin; some gossip is slander, but not all gossip is false.
Seeking counsel: Inviting wise, limited, need-to-know help to resolve conflict or discern obedience—kept as small and discreet as possible, with restoration as the goal (see Matt 18:15–17).
“Prayer request” gossip: Sharing another’s struggle broadly under a spiritual label. If they haven’t given you permission—or if it doesn’t build up—don’t share it.
Why God Cares So Much
It fractures trust and unity. “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” (Prov 18:8) What we hear about someone changes how we see them.
It harms the speaker. “The tongue is a fire… it corrupts the whole body.” (Jas 3:6) Gossip trains our hearts toward cynicism and pride.
It grieves the Spirit. We’re called to be a people whose speech gives grace and builds up. (Eph 4:29–30)
The Heart Behind the Words
Our lips reveal our roots. Gossip often grows from:
Pride: Feeling bigger by making others smaller.
Envy & insecurity: Pulling someone down to feel safe.
Bitterness: Recruiting allies to our pain.
But the Spirit forms a different harvest: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Gal 5:22–23) Gospel fruit changes how we speak.
Four Filters Before You Speak
Ask yourself:
Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?
Would I say this if they were here?
If any answer is “no,” it’s likely gossip—don’t share it.
How to Shut Down Gossip (Graciously)
Use simple scripts that honor both people and truth:
“I want to think the best of them—could we talk to them directly?”
“Let’s pray for them now; I don’t need details.”
“I’m not the right person for this. Have you followed Matthew 18 with them?”
“For their reputation’s sake, I’d rather not discuss this.”
“If you want counsel, keep it general so we can focus on wisdom—not someone’s story.”
When You’ve Already Gossiped
There’s grace—and a path forward.
Confess to God. Agree with Him; ask for cleansing. (1 John 1:9)
Repent. Turn from the pattern—even in small, habitual ways.
Make it right.
If you harmed someone’s name, go to them humbly and ask forgiveness.
If you spread it, correct it with the same people you told.
Rebuild. Commit to words that give grace; invite accountability from a mature believer.
Handling Real Conflict Without Gossip
Jesus gives us a pathway (Matt 18:15–17):
Go to the person privately.
If unresolved, bring a wise, impartial believer.
If still stuck, seek church leadership.Keep the circle as small as possible and the goal restoration.
Speak Life: Practical Replacements
Bless instead of broadcast. Name one grace you see in the person.
Pray instead of pry. Take concerns to the Lord first.
Encourage daily. “Encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Heb 3:13)
Practice confidentiality. Be the friend who can be trusted with silence.
Do a “word audit.” At day’s end, ask: Did my words add grace or take it away?
Key Scriptures to Study
Ephesians 4:29–32 — Give grace with your words
Proverbs 18:7–8, 21 — Words can destroy—or bring life
James 3:1–12 — The tongue’s power and danger
Matthew 18:15–17 — Handling sin and conflict
Proverbs 16:28; 26:20 — Gossip separates close friends; where there’s no fuel, fire dies
A Prayer for Clean Speech
🎧 Listen to Episode : "Gossip is the Whisper that Wounds." https://open.spotify.com/episode/6uR8fsSVbzwZmGYpV9hvmS?si=22S8lxvjQmm1KNcFtSe8rw
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