Gossip is a device of the devil and, as Paul the apostle said, we must not be ignorant to the devil’s devices (see 2 Cor. 2:11).
Gossip and meddling seem to go hand in hand. While a gossip is someone who has a habit of sharing personal information about other people (which can lead to harmful rumors) meddling is interfering without a right, or inserting oneself into affairs that are none of one’s business.
In this season, I’m sensing the spirit of gossip attacking below the belt. Beyond gossiping about true facts, this spirit is crossing lines and doing harm to its victims. Gossip is leading to rumors and even slander.
Psychologists say gossipers are insecure cowards who feel empowered when they spread rumors. According to psychologist Dr. Ned Hallowell, there’s a kind of emotional sadism that’s rooted in gossip, especially if it’s negative. “People tend to take pleasure in someone else’s misery and delight that it’s not happening to them,” he says, referring to such gossip as a sort of “safe, vicarious sadism.”
Psychology aside, gossipers can attract a spirit of gossip that drives them to meddle into other people’s business and, in doing so, forward the enemy’s plans to steal, kill and destroy (see John 10:10). Gossip, which includes slander, rumors, dishing the dirt, backbiting and planting negative seeds about people, is a work of the flesh and is in the realm of witchcraft.
Serious Warnings About Gossip
It’s important to understand what the Bible says about gossiping and meddling. Consider the strong language the Bible uses:
“Don’t spread gossip and rumors” (Lev. 19:16, MSG).
“And the women also who serve the church should be dignified, faithful in all things, having their thoughts set on truth, and not known as those who gossip” (1 Tim. 3:11, TPT).
“A twisted person spreads rumors; a whispering gossip ruins good friendships” (Prov. 16:28).
“That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you…” (1 Thess. 4:11, NKJV).
Combating the Spirit of Gossip
These are just a few of the many Bible verses on gossiping and meddling. If you are the victim of gossip, the first thing you need to do is remember you are not wrestling against flesh and blood (see Eph. 6:12).
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