Don’t Be That Guy – Part 4

The Gossipping Fool

November 23, 2025

 

Idle talk or engaging in negative communication about someone when they’re not present, often disguised as concern, venting, or “prayer requests.”

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

• Gossip .

Proverbs 16:28 (NIV) A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.

• Gossip .

Deuteronomy 27:24 (NIV) Cursed is anyone who attacks their neighbor in secret.

Matthew 12:36‑37 (NIV) But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken; for by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.

• Gossip is .

James 3:6 (NIV) And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

         1. The Mean-Spirited Gossiper.

Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

         2. The “Bless Their Heart” Gossiper.

Proverbs 17:9 (NIV) Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

         3. The Jezebel Gossiper.

Proverbs 6:16,19 (NIV) There are six things the Lord hates… a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

         4. The Social Gossiper.

Proverbs 20:19 (NIV) A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.

         5. The Passive Enabler.

Proverbs 17:4 (NLT) Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.

Proverbs 18:8 (NIV) The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down into the inmost parts.

Proverbs 26:20 (NIV) Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.

         1. Treat gossip as life-threatening.

Leviticus 19:16 (MSG) Don’t spread gossip and rumors. Don’t just stand by when your neighbor’s life is in danger.

         2. Replace jealousy with celebration.

1 Corinthians 12:26 (NIV) If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Proverbs 14:30 (NIV) A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

         3. Live like there are no secrets.

Proverbs 10:9 (NIV) Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

         4. Stick to firsthand knowledge.

Proverbs 18:13 (NIV) To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.

          5. Be bold and proactive.

Proverbs 10:10 (NLT) People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.

Proverbs 27:5 (NIV) Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

         6. Practice gratitude, not gossip.

Ephesians 5:3–4 (NIV) But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed… Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Psalm 34:12–14 (NIV) Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days…

Psalm 34:12–14 (NIV) Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days…keep your tongue from evil.