The Serpent's Tongue: The Allure of Gossip

Are you a gossiper? Are you aware that gossiping is a sin? It is the cleaver words of an evil tongue; the serpent's tongue. Can you identify its sneaky disguises? Gossip can be remarkably sneaky, disguising itself in all sorts of ways including concern and prayer requests. The serpent is crafty, y'all!! 

Defining Gossip (Talebearing)

Gossip, or talebearing, is a form of speech that spreads rumors or negative information about others. It can be a tempting indulgence, especially when we are unhappy, jealous, envious, miserable, pessimistic, seeking attention, or trying to fit in with a certain group. However, the Bible warns against gossip, emphasizing its harmful consequences.

The Allure of Gossip

Gossip has a seductive allure, offering a temporary thrill of being in the know and feeling connected to others through shared secrets. It can be a way to feel superior or to bond with others over perceived flaws or misfortunes of others. However, the negativity of gossip cannot be overstated. It spreads rumors, damages reputations, and creates divisions among people. Engaging in gossip can also make us feel guilty and ashamed, as we are essentially participating in the spread of negativity.

Gossip can have serious consequences, both for the person being gossiped about and for the gossiper themselves. It can lead to hurt feelings, broken relationships, and even job loss. Gossiping can also make us seem untrustworthy and can damage our own reputation.

Instead of engaging in gossip, we should choose empathy, kindness, and compassion. We should think before we speak and consider the potential consequences of our words. We should also be mindful of the information we share and avoid spreading rumors or negativity. By choosing kindness, we can create a more positive and supportive environment for ourselves and others.

In the beginning…

Just as the serpent in the Garden of Eden used carefully crafted words to plant seeds of doubt in Eve's mind, so too does the gossiper use their tongue to spread misinformation and create discord. The serpent didn't completely outright lie; it twisted truth, suggesting that GOD wasn’t being totally honest and that HE was withholding something good. It sought out Eve to see what she knew then changed the narrative to create division and sow discord in the marital relationship as well as in their spiritual relationship with GOD and this is what talebearing does. It has a kernel of truth. It wasn't the serpent’s place to tell Eve what her husband already told her. But just like the busybodies of today, the serpent had to interject himself into the equation, veiled as a concern for the truth. He wanted Eve to know the full truth, because obviously GOD told them the half-truth. People today interject themselves into the marital home sowing discord between husband and wife with innuendos, lies, half-truths, and mistruths. People today interject themselves into the marital home sowing discord between husband and wife with innuendos, lies, half-truths, and mistruths. This destructive behavior can lead to irreparable damage to the relationship, causing pain, resentment, and ultimately, divorce.

In addition to the harm caused to the couple involved, meddling in others' marriages can also have a negative impact our nation as a whole. It can create division and mistrust, and can lead to the breakdown of families.

Those who value the sanctity of marriage should work to protect it from those who would seek to destroy it. We must all be vigilant in our own relationships, and we must not tolerate those who would seek to sow discord between others.

Genesis chapter 2 verses 15 through 17, reveals how all of this was started: “YAH GOD took the man and placed him in the orchard in Eden to care for it and to maintain it. Then YAH GOD commanded the man, “You may freely eat fruit from every tree of the orchard, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will surely die.” Now, before Eve was created, GOD gave Adam this command firsthand; it was not second-handed information, and he obeyed it until Eve was created and then she convinced him to go against GOD’s command after the serpent tricked her. Tell the truth or tell a lie, here comes the adversary sowing discord. Now, let’s go to Genesis chapter 3 verses 1 through 5: “Now the serpent was shrewder than any of the wild animals that YAH GOD had made. He said to the woman, “Is it really true that GOD said, ‘You must not eat from any tree of the orchard?’ See, this is what people “picking”. The serpent is picking Eve to see what she knows so that he can craftily approach her from another angle in order to deceive her. (2) The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit from the trees of the orchard; (3) but concerning the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the orchard GOD said, ‘You must not eat from it, and you must not touch it, or else you will die.’” Now, GOD did not say don’t touch the fruit or else you will die. Now, this is the perfect example of someone hearing information second or third handed. They add their own words to the original information and this is how lies get started. Nothing is new under the sun. (4) The serpent said to the woman, ‘Surely you will not die, (5) for GOD knows that when you eat from it your eyes will open and you will be like GOD, knowing good and evil.” Now verse 5 is true, but verse 4 is a lie, you will die and they did die. Truth mixed with lies; sounds like our modern day teachers, pastors, ministers, etc. The Hebrew word עָרוּם arum ah-room (shrewder, crafty) basically means “clever.” The serpent told Eve and Eve passed along the information to Adam. They gave more weight to the serpent’s misuse of words than GOD’S. They’re discussing the information amongst themselves and purposely decide to defy GOD. No one can say that Adam didn’t know that he was consuming the forbidden fruit that Eve gave him because when GOD questioned him, he quickly threw Eve under the bus. No shame among sinners. And this is what a gossiper is, clever with words, and today, we do the same thing, we tend to believe the serpent’s words than the truth because his words are carefully crafted to be tempting and damaging. Similarly, gossip rarely deals in complete fabrications. Instead, it often exaggerates, omits crucial context, or subtly shifts the narrative to cast someone in a negative light. This manipulation of information, like the serpent's words, plants seeds of suspicion, doubt, and distrust, poisoning relationships and fracturing families, friendships, and congregations. The gossiper, like the serpent, often masks their malicious intent, presenting themselves as a concerned friend or a bearer of important news. But their words, carefully chosen and strategically delivered, are designed to erode trust, damage reputations, and ultimately, sow discord. The echo of the serpent's deception resonates in every whispered rumor, reminding us that the tongue, though small, holds immense power to build up or tear down. Proverbs chapter 18 verse 21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit.” The serpent twisted GOD'S command in order to sow discord between GOD and man and then between man and woman because neither one of them took responsibility for their action. Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. GOD first pronounced discord between the serpent’s seed and the woman’s seed, then discord between man and woman when HE told Eve that Adam will now rule over her, which is contrary to HIS original plan. This in turn will cause controversy in the marital home. Also, in some of my previous research, the “form” of the word “rule” mentioned in Genesis chapter 3 verse 16 is not the common usage of the word “rule” we use today; as meaning to control or have authority over as most men think. The serpent's lies had devastating consequences, leading to the fall of man. While the consequences of gossip may not be as immediately devastating, they can still be deeply damaging, causing distrust, breaking down relationships, and poisoning minds. It destroys marriages, strips the home of peace and unity, sows discord among friends, and causes brethren to dwell in disunity.

Wise Words

Proverbs chapter 11 verse 13 states, "A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a matter covered." This verse highlights the importance of discretion and trustworthiness. When we gossip, we betray the trust of others by revealing their secrets or sharing negative information about them. This can damage relationships and create unnecessary conflict.

Furthermore, Proverbs chapter 18 verse 8: "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down one's throat." This verse suggests that there is a temptation to listen to and spread rumors, as they can be exciting or titillating. However, this verse also implies that such "choice morsels" are ultimately unhealthy and can have a toxic effect mentally and emotionally. It warns against the allure of gossip and its potential to corrupt and divide. When we engage in gossip, we can inflict emotional pain on others, damaging their reputation and undermining their relationships. In addition to the harm it causes to others, gossip can also have negative consequences for the gossiper. Proverbs 12:19 states, "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment." This verse suggests that honesty and integrity are ultimately more valuable than fleeting moments of gossip. When we engage in gossip, we may gain temporary attention or approval, but we risk losing our own integrity and damaging our reputation. 

Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the potential consequences of gossip. Before sharing information about others, consider whether it is true, necessary, and kind. If you are unsure, it is best to remain silent. By choosing to refrain from gossip, we can protect ourselves and others from harm, and cultivate a more positive and respectful environment.

So, next time someone tempts you with gossip or you get the urge to gossip, choose to decline to participate remembering that gossiping or talebearing is a sin that GOD hates. 

Additional information:

• If you have been the victim of gossip, it is important to seek support from trusted friends or family members.
• If you are struggling with the temptation to meddle in others' lives, it is important to seek help from a spiritual leader or counselor.

By being mindful of these points and choosing to refrain from gossip, we can cultivate a more positive and respectful environment for ourselves and those around us.

I hope this blog post has helped you learn the destructive nature of talebearing and how important it is to resist the urge to spread gossip and rumors. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or use the contact form.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us: