What is considered gossip?

[thelord's_pearl]

I'm confused, thanks!

 

[quietthinker]

When you can't keep any information regarding another to yourself.

 

[Enoch111]

I'm confused, thanks!

Talking negatively about others based on rumor or second-hand information -- pointlessly.

 

[MatthewG]

@thelord's_pearl

This is from Proverbs 11; this is the New Living Translation version of 11 through 17

11Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper,

but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.



12It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;

a sensible person keeps quiet.



13A gossip goes around telling secrets,

but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.



14Without wise leadership, a nation falls;

there is safety in having many advisers.



15There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt;

it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.



16A gracious woman gains respect,

but ruthless men gain only wealth.



17Your kindness will reward you,

but your cruelty will destroy you.

Gossip according to the Hebrew language is Rakil - 7400; meaning to slander.

slander, carry tales, talebearer

From rakal a scandal-monger (as travelling about) -- slander, carry tales, talebearer.

 

[Nancy]

Speaking negatively about another, whether or not the "information" is true or not does not matter. When gossiping, you are marring someone's reputation to another person who most likely will then make their opinion of that person based on what YOU said. It can be very damaging and hurtful. Remember, the tongue is the hardest to train and, so many people are so used to and love to gossip, they don't know how else to have a conversation!

 

[amadeus]

I'm confused, thanks!

Gossip as I understand it is tales told usually about other people, either true or not, which are unnecessarily and/or potentially hurtful.

Strong emphasis should be made that just because it is true does not mean it is good or necessary or OK to tell anyone else.

Spouses have secrets. Families have secrets. Friends have secrets. People working at certain jobs [such as judges, lawyers, police, medical professionals, ministers, priests, bank loan officers, etc.] hear or have access to secret information about others. Should all of these people who know these secrets about others tell everyone or even anyone they know or meet any of the details of these secrets?

There are good reasons to tell what we know to someone else, but before opening our mouths we really need to consider how good the reason is...

If we know something we heard is a lie for what reason would we spread that to anyone else?

If we are uncertain whether something we heard is the truth, how quickly should we be telling just anyone about it?

Most all of us have some truth in our own histories that are painful to talk about or even to think about. If we tell someone about it in confidence for a good reason, we surely would not want that confidant to tell others about it without our permission, would we?

Golden Rule?

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: ... : Matt 7:12

Of course no one on this forum ever presumes wrong things about someone else and puts them into words, right?

 

[thelord's_pearl]

I agree with amadeus. amadeus is right, correct? I think if someone treats us badly and we tell others about it for their safety or for their well-being or good, it's ok, but if you just talk about someone bc you just like to talk about them or have bad intent then that is gossip

 

[amadeus]

I agree with amadeus. amadeus is right, correct? I think if someone treats us badly and we tell others about it for their safety or for their well-being or good, it's ok, but if you just talk about someone bc you just like to talk about them or have bad intent then that is gossip

Amen! Sometimes our words will hurt people. Let us be sure that it is important to speak those words before open our mouths. In man's system they have what are called subpoenas so that no one arbitrarily searches your house or your records without your permission and without a very good reason. A subpoena gives someone legal permission to invade your private business and/or your secrets. Supposedly they would be issued to override your right to privacy only for a greater good...

Hopefully a judge who issues one of those is honest and fair without political bias. Ideally they are.

Then again ideally 'good' Christian people do not engage in gossip!

 

[thelord's_pearl]

Amen! Sometimes our words will hurt people. Let us be sure that it is important to speak those words before open our mouths. In man's system they have what are called subpoenas so that no one arbitrarily searches your house or your records without your permission and without a very good reason. A subpoena gives someone legal permission to invade your private business and/or your secrets. Supposedly they would be issued to override your right to privacy only for a greater good...

Hopefully a judge who issues one of those is honest and fair without political bias. Ideally they are.

Then again ideally 'good' Christian people do not engage in gossip!

thank you amadeus, I think you're agreeing with my interpretation of gossip right?

 

[amadeus]

thank you amadeus, I think you're agreeing with my interpretation of gossip right?

Yes!

 

[MatthewG]

It is totally two different words.

prudent Describe an action as prudent if it is the wise thing to do under the existing circumstances. ... If you show good and careful judgment when handling practical matters, you can be described as prudent. Similarly, a wise and well-thought-through decision or action can be called prudent.

A gossiper is someone who talks eagerly and casually about other people. If you like to spread rumors and hear the latest news about your friends, you might be a gossiper. When you gossip, you talk enthusiastically about other people's news or business. To do this regularly is to be a gossiper.