"A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue."
— Proverbs 17:4 (NIV)
Gossip doesn't need a stage—just a willing ear.
While many focus on the one who spreads rumors, Scripture makes it clear: those who listen are just as guilty. Listening to gossip is not passive. It's participation. By giving attention to slander, you give it power. By entertaining it, you encourage it. And by repeating it, you spread the infection further.
The Ear Is a Gate
Gossip is like a poison. It doesn't need to touch your mouth to do damage—it only needs to enter your ears. It stirs up judgment, resentment, pride, and division. It changes how you view people. It twists your understanding. It tempts you to become both accuser and judge.
That's why Proverbs calls it "delicious"—it tastes sweet, but it corrupts the soul.
"The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts."
— Proverbs 18:8
When you lend your ear to gossip, you offer agreement to sin. Even if you say nothing, your silence says enough.
Modern Forms of Gossip
Gossip today isn't just whispered in private. It's public. It's digital. It's disguised as "concern," "venting," or "just being honest." You'll find it in:
Group chats and comments sections
Social media posts with vague shade
Church hallway conversations about "so-and-so"
Podcasts or videos that tear down other believers
Screenshots shared without context
It doesn't matter whether it's true or not. If it's meant to shame, divide, or stir up strife—it's gossip.
What Gossip Does to Your Spirit
Listening to gossip plants weeds in the heart. It may feel harmless, but it produces:
Suspicion instead of trust
Pride instead of humility
Bitterness instead of grace
Distance instead of unity
A critical spirit instead of a Christlike one
And perhaps worst of all, it grieves the Holy Spirit.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful... And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God."
— Ephesians 4:29–30
How to Guard Your Ears from Gossip
1. Interrupt the Conversation
You don't have to be rude, but you must be firm. A gentle, "Let's not talk about them," can shut gossip down immediately.
(Proverbs 26:20 – "Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.")
2. Redirect the Focus
Change the topic. Bring the conversation back to something edifying or neutral. Don't linger in polluted waters.
(Proverbs 10:19 – "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.")
3. Defend the Absent
If someone is being criticized, speak well of them or remind others they aren't present to defend themselves.
(Proverbs 31:8 – "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…")
4. Walk Away if Needed
If the conversation won't change, then remove yourself. Your silence or absence can be a powerful statement.
(Psalm 1:1 – "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked… or sit in the company of mockers.")
5. Examine Your Own Heart
Ask why you're tempted to listen. Does it feed pride? Curiosity? Comparison? Let the Spirit reveal what needs to be uprooted.
(Proverbs 4:23 – "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.")
Prayer of Discernment
"Lord, I confess that I have listened to words I shouldn't have. I've let gossip entertain my ears and pollute my heart. Help me to guard my hearing. Give me boldness to silence what's harmful and wisdom to change the conversation. Make my ears holy, my tongue clean, and my heart filled with grace. Let me speak and hear only what builds others up. In Jesus' name, Amen."