Gossip Hound or Truth Teller

“Loose lips sink ships,” my mother used to tell me. This phrase originated during World War II to warn servicemen and civilians against sharing sensitive information, as the enemy could overhear it and take advantage of it. Today, the phrase relates to gossip. We have all encountered people who have gossiped about us. Gossip involves sharing personal or sensational details about someone else without their knowledge or consent. It may be true; it may not be true; either way, it is harmful. As Proverbs 16:28 states, “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a gossip separates close friends.” On the other hand, slander involves making false accusations or misrepresentations about someone that damage their reputation. Both are equally harmful and are considered sins in God’s eyes. 

In recent months, many pastors and ministries have had their wrongdoings publicly exposed through social media and news outlets. Some are unfortunately true, but some have been proved false. Scripture warns us to avoid gossip and to be careful with our words when discussing others. We should stay alert when we hear harmful information about the ministries or pastors we support and refrain from participating in gossip or slander. However, we must also remain open to the truth that God reveals when issues come to light.

Many pastors, ministries, and churches have recently fallen short of God’s best. I am distressed by the extent of ungodly behavior that has come to light. It’s disheartening to see so many leaders publicly maligned. This not only hurts them but also damages the ministry of the kingdom of God. Unfortunately, pride and success lead some pastors and ministries to focus on their own achievements while concealing their ungodly actions. We will all be judged for our actions, and Scripture tells us that pastors and teachers will be judged even more strictly. “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1 NIV). Christian leadership wields great influence, and we must commit to openly displaying the truth when leaders or ministries fail to practice what they preach, while being non-judgmental and compassionate toward those hurt by it. This exposure must break our Father’s heart, yet He permits this “shaking” among His people to reveal the truth and call us to repentance.

It is remarkable how scripture spoke of this. “When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now He makes another proclamation, ‘Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also’ (Hebrews 12:26 NLT). I believe this verse could be speaking of getting His bride ready and exposing the wrongs in leadership. Yet it is God’s job to expose faulty leaders, not ours. Unless God calls us to be a part of exposing the leadership of a ministry, pastor, or church, we should be very cautious about taking part in gossip or slander. Unless we are closely involved or it has already been made public knowledge, it is not our story to tell. 

Before we speak, we should ask ourselves if our words are helpful and edifying to the body of Christ. The public is quick to judge, and Christians can be particularly judgmental. I, too, have been guilty of listening to gossip and passing it on without checking the facts or considering if the Lord is prompting me to share the information. I have had to repent and return to those to whom I shared the information to seek their forgiveness and ask the Lord for forgiveness. It is humbling. I believe in the scriptures in Psalm 34:13, “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”

Many of us have been victims of gossip, and the damage it causes is often irreparable. The enemy delights in our gossiping because it inflicts pain on its listeners. Due to our human nature, we are tempted daily to gossip and slander others, enjoying the feeling of being “in the know.” It is rooted in pride, the desire to appear superior to others—and it bears no fruit for the kingdom.

Unfortunately, men and women struggle with gossip. More than once, my husband came home and asked me about something he had heard. Sometimes, I can explain if it was truth, untruth, or misconstrued. The Lord calls us to seek the truth, to respect others’ personal boundaries, and take no part in repeating falsehoods that harm another’s reputation. “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord, and keep watch over my lips” (Psalm 141:3 NIV). We have to surround ourselves with people who take no part in gossip. 

I’m reminded that only the Lord has the right to judge our actions and motives. At the same time, we must be diligent in sorting out truth from lies. Just because something is true does not mean it is helpful or edifying. So I hope that we will remain humble and mindful of what we say and do. Scripture instructs us to be discerning and prayerful. Let’s especially pray for those who have fallen and ask God to bring good out of what the enemy has intended for harm. 

“Loose lips sink ships.” This saying can also mean, “Loose lips sink relation-ships.” 

Let’s pray:

Lord, I ask You to help me discern between truth and lies. If there is an unhealthy truth in standing by my convictions and not supporting sin, help me be a positive influence on those around me. May I store up treasures in heaven by speaking encouraging and uplifting words of truth. Lord, if I find myself desiring to gossip, convict my heart and set a guard over it. Remind me to pray for those who have publicly fallen. Thank You for the mercy and grace extended to me. Amen.