Read the Bible
Today's Devotion
From Dr. David Jeremiah
Putting People Down
August 24, 2026
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Proverbs 11:13, NIV
Recommended Reading:
1 Timothy 5:11-1611 But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing man or[{{f}}] woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.
1 Timothy 5:11-16
Psst! Guess what? Did you hear? You’ll never guess what happened? I don’t like to repeat gossip, so listen carefully the first time!
Proverbs warns against participating in gossip, but what exactly is it? We all talk about daily events and the situations our friends face. So when does it become gossip? Perhaps when we share something about another person that they wouldn’t want others to know—speaking behind their back in a way that damages them.
Proverbs says, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.… A gossip separates close friends…. A gossip betrays a confidence…. Without a gossip a quarrel dies down” (18:8; 16:28; 11:13; 26:20, NIV).
We must be careful not to hear or convey evil speech. Our words should always build up and not tear down. Have you been guilty of repeating unkind or unwise words? If so, ask God to forgive you and to give you the internal discipline to refrain from evil gossip. Be discreet; don’t repeat!
All of us would be wiser if we would resolve never to put people down, except on our prayer lists.
D. A. Carson
