THINK ABOUT IT 7-7-25
My dear friend Dr. Patrick Briney has a newsletter called “Vitamins For The Soul” that could be a blessing to you. Below is a sample, followed by the link if you would like to be added to his mailing list.- HDS
VITAMINS FOR THE SOUL
🗞️ Gossip: The Sneaky Habit That Hurts More Than It Helps
Reflection from the Word—delivered with love 💬✝️
Let’s get real for a minute: Have you ever felt that little buzz of excitement when you’re the first to know some juicy detail about someone? Or felt oddly powerful being the one who shares something shocking, tragic, or just slightly scandalous?
We’ve all been there. But here’s the hard truth 👉🏼 Gossip costs more than we think.
What Is Gossip, Anyway? 🤔
It’s not just whispering behind someone’s back or spreading something flat-out false.
Gossip is when we talk about someone in a way that casts them in a negative light—whether it’s fully true, half-true, or even just a vague hunch. It might sound like concern (“I just thought you should know…”) but often, it’s really about boosting our own sense of importance at someone else’s expense.
“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” — Proverbs 11:13
When we speak carelessly, we can sabotage reputations, damage relationships, and plant seeds of distrust. Not a great legacy to leave behind, right?
Why We Gossip (Even When We Know Better) 🧠
Sometimes gossip sneaks into our conversations because we feel powerless, bored, or insecure. It gives a fleeting sense of significance—but it always leaves behind a mess.
God’s Word doesn’t shy away from how serious this is:
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” — Proverbs 10:18“A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.” — Proverbs 13:5
Whew. Not exactly flattering company to keep, right?
But here’s the hope: We don’t have to stay stuck in a gossip loop. 🙌🏼
💊 Three Spiritual “Vitamins” For Curing Gossip
Here’s how to walk in truth and integrity.
1️⃣ Flip the Script
Before spilling that “one detail,” ask yourself:
👉🏼 Would I say this if they were right here?
👉🏼 Is it true, kind, and helpful?
If not, hit pause. Choose to speak life instead.
💬 “I don’t know the whole story, but let’s pray for them.”
2️⃣ Be the One Who Builds Others Up
Develop a reputation for being the one who always speaks well of others—even when no one’s watching.
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” — Ephesians 4:25
When we speak truth in love, the whole community flourishes.
3️⃣ Set a Standard with the “Truth Test”
Before sharing a detail, ask yourself:
✅ Is it verified?
✅ Does it help?
✅ Would I want someone repeating this about me?
If the answer is shaky on any of those fronts, let it stop with you. Let Grace win.
🌟 The Promise: A Better Reputation & A Blessed Life
Choosing not to gossip doesn’t just make you a nicer person—it makes you trustworthy.
It tells the people around you: 🗣️ “Your name is safe with me.” And that’s rare (sadly)—and incredibly valuable.
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.” — Proverbs 17:4
Be truth-lover and grace-speaker. Choose love over drama, peace over whispers, and truth over shade. Reflect the heart of the God we serve— He delights in that.
💛 Be A Blessing
Whether it’s at the office, in the group chat, or over a coffee table—be the one who blesses, not bruises. 🙏🏼
God blesses those who bless others. And that includes blessings with our words.
🌿 With hope and prayers for a life filled with blessings
Dr. Patrick Briney
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, TX
