Proverbs 16:28
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A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
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Stop! Stop talking negatively about others! If you cannot say something good, then do not say anything! Only perverse and profane persons gossip and backbite. You should abhor the thought of committing rape or murder ... but slander or talebearing is both! It violates a person's reputation, which is worse than violating his body; and it takes away his joy, peace, and friends, while physical rape would bring their comfort and help. Stop!
Gossiping destroys families, churches, businesses, and friends. A froward man is evil, obnoxious, and unreasonable. He loves to cause division by spreading rumors, innuendos, secrets, or lies about others. If you hate these sinners, you are in good company, because God hates them (6:16-19)! He rips these wicked talkers in both testaments (10:18; 11:13; 18:8; 20:19; 26:20-26; Ps 50:20-22; 101:5; Lev 19:16; Rom 1:29-30; II Cor 12:20).
What you call gossip, the Bible calls backbiting, evil surmising, talebearing, tattling, and whispering. These similar terms describe the sin of revealing or spreading secrets in order to agitate, despise, divide, harm, or undermine another. Slander is the spreading of false information in order to defame. Both sins cause strife and trouble, and they divide close friends by telling private facts, forgiven sins, or outright lies about one or both friends.
Do not ever use words to harm another person unless clearly necessary (I Cor 1:11). If you know of a person's sin, hide it from others (11:13). Cover it, rather than expose it, in order to promote love (17:9). If you have a problem with someone, then either overlook it or take care of it with him alone (10:12; 19:11; 25:9-10; Matt 18:15). If you do not fear and hate gossip, remember that God considers harmful words as murder (Matt 5:21-22).
If you perceive a man badmouthing another, stop the violence by an angry response (25:23)! You would use any means to stop a rape or murder, and this crime is worse, so respond forcibly to this verbal wickedness as well. Do not ever let a backbiter, talebearer, or whisperer get away with their crime in your presence. If you allow and listen to their divisive and perverse insinuations, you are guilty with them (17:4). If you clearly identify such a wicked person, get rid of him, because he will only bring you trouble (26:20-28).
Godly men never harm others by divisive words (Ps 15:3). Even if actions are suspicious, they believe and hope all things about that person to avoid thinking evil of them (I Cor 13:4-7). This is the most godly, peaceful, and successful way to live. By choosing to be a peacemaker, you are a true child of God (Matt 5:9; Jas 3:17-18). Purify your heart and let it produce gracious words at all times to win the favor even of kings (22:11; Col 4:6).
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