Christian industrialist and inventor R. G. LeTourneau is known
for his enormous earth-moving machines. One of his products was
known simply by the name, “Model G.” A prospective buyer, hoping
to stump a salesman, asked, “What does the ‘G’ stand for?”
“I guess the G stands for gossip,” was the salesman’s quick
reply. “Because, like gossip, this machine moves a lot of dirt,
and moves it fast!”
The Proverbs have a lot to say about gossip: Those who gossip
are untrustworthy (11:13) and should be avoided (20:19). Gossip
separates the closest of friends (16:28) and keeps relational
strife boiling (18:8). It pours fuel on the coals of conflict,
feeding the flames of hurt and misunderstanding (26:21-22).
The Hebrew word for “gossip” or “talebearing” actually means
“whispering that is damaging.” We fool ourselves into thinking
that those juicy, whispered comments here and there are
harmless. But gossip leaves behind a wide swath of destruction
and is never a victimless crime. Someone is always hurt. So
here’s a word to the wise: “Where there is no talebearer, strife
ceases” (Prov. 26:20). Let’s leave the dirt-moving to big
machines. Put the shovels away and revel in the joy of
gossip-free relationships! —Joe
Stowell
Many things that others say
Are not for us to tell;
Help us, Lord, to watch our tongue—
We need to guard it well. —Branon
Destroy gossip by ignoring it.