Peace. Politicians aim for it. Beauty contestants promote it. Law enforcement tries to keep it. The news reports about disruptions of peace, and often fans the flames of hostility by reporting innuendo and gossip.

For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

Proverbs 26:20

The Bible warns that gossip breeds wicked lifestyles. “Everyone deceives his neighbor, and no one speaks the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves committing iniquity.” (Jeremiah 9:5) Gossip stirs up anger. “The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.” (Proverbs 25:23) It goes hand in hand with other undesirable behaviors. “For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish,” Paul wrote, “that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.” (II Corinthians 12:20)

Sometimes inquiring about someone’s well-being or even praying for a person can turn into gossip. Before you talk to someone else about another person, ask yourself if you would say the same thing in their presence. If not, it’s best to take your concerns only to the Lord. Then pray for the nation’s media professionals that, instead of promoting division, they would inform, educate and inspire.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 3:8-16