“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases” (Proverbs 26:20 ESV).
Proverbs 26:20 is a vivid picture of the destructive power of gossip and the importance of refusing to fuel conflict. Just as a fire cannot continue burning without wood, quarrels often die down when gossip and slander are ceased. The “whisperer” is the gossiper, the “wood” is the gossip itself, and the “fire” is the conflict it fuels. Remove the wood, and the fire goes out. Stop the gossip, and the quarreling soon stops as well.
Yet gossip requires more than one who whispers it. It also requires someone willing to hear it. We can add wood to the fire not only by spreading rumors, but also by listening to them. Every time we repeat an accusation or entertain a negative report about someone, we risk feeding a fire that damages relationships and divides God’s people.
Sometimes gossip involves spreading something false, but other times it involves sharing something true that isn’t ours to tell. Scripture teaches us to be trustworthy with confidential information (Prov. 11:13) and to restore those caught in sin with a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1). At such times, it may be appropriate to not only refuse to listen, but also to remind them that just because something is true doesn’t mean it’s ours to tell. As Paul instructed, our words should build others up and give grace to those who hear (Eph. 4:29).
Jesus is our perfect example. Though falsely accused and slandered, He did not retaliate (1 Pet. 2:23). Instead, through His death on the cross, He made peace with God possible for us and reconciled us to one another (Eph. 2:14–16). Because of Christ, we can become peacemakers rather than troublemakers.
Gossip adds fuel to the fire, but grace helps put it out. Are we adding wood to the fire or helping it go out?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we’ve spread gossip or entertained it. Guard our lips and ears. Fill our hearts with Your grace so that our words bring peace rather than conflict. In Jesus’ name, amen.