“Gossip kills three people: the one who speaks it, the one who listens, and the one about whom it is spoken.” ~ Talmud

Gossip, a common habit that spreads like wildfire and causes so much harm. Here are three people gossip kills, this is not an overstatement…

The Gossiper

Gossip feeds their ego, making them feel superior and satisfied in the moment. But over time it poisons their own heart and soul.

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

They become distrustful, cynical and lost in small-mindedness. They kill the infinite potential within themselves.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

The Hearer

By listening to gossip, the hearer gives it life and power. It spreads a negative view of the world and others.

Proverbs 26:20
For lack of wood the fire goes out,
and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

The hearer’s own mind becomes clouded, jumping to conclusions and passing judgment. They kill their ability to see with clarity and compassion.

The One Gossiped About

The subject of gossip is dehumanized. Their story is distorted and twisted without their knowledge.

Their dignity and good name are robbed from them. The shadow side is exaggerated while the light within is forgotten. They are judged based on hearsay rather than their true essence. These are evil spells that are cast upon them, killing a piece of their spirit.

In the end, all three lose.

Gossip sows seeds of distrust, ill will and negativity that poison many lives.

Proverbs 20:19 “A gossip betrays a
confidence; so avoid anyone who talks
too much.”

But we have the power to cut off this cycle simply by choosing kinder speech – speaking the truth with love and empathy for all.

Let that be our goal from this moment forward, yes?