Gossip is Witchcraft and Those Who Practice It Are in Danger

Gossip is a term that may seem harmless at first glance, often associated with idle chatter and seemingly innocuous discussions about others. However, when we delve into the biblical perspective, gossip is revealed to be far more sinister. In fact, it is akin to witchcraft, and those who practice it are placing themselves in grave spiritual danger. 

The Nature of Gossip
Gossip, by definition, involves talking about someone else’s private or personal affairs, usually without their knowledge and often with a negative or judgmental tone. The Bible has much to say about this destructive behavior.

Proverbs 16:28: "A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends."

Gossip is likened to a whisper that sows discord and can even break the strongest of friendships. The perverse nature of gossip lies in its ability to create division, mistrust, and hurt among individuals.

Gossip as Witchcraft
To understand why gossip is equated with witchcraft, we need to explore the characteristics and consequences of both. Witchcraft, in a biblical context, involves manipulating and controlling others through spiritual or supernatural means. It is a practice condemned by YHVH.

1 Samuel 15:23: "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king."

This verse equates rebellion with witchcraft, highlighting that both involve a rejection of YHVH’s authority and commands. Gossip, similarly, involves rebelling against the command to love one another and to speak truthfully and kindly.

Galatians 5:19-21:"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Sorcery, another term for witchcraft, is listed alongside behaviors that cause division and strife—qualities inherent in gossip. By engaging in gossip, individuals participate in actions that are spiritually akin to witchcraft.

The Danger of Gossip

The danger of gossip lies not only in its ability to harm others but also in the spiritual peril it poses to the gossiper. The Bible is clear that those who engage in such behavior place themselves in jeopardy.

James 3:6:"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell."

The tongue, when used for gossip, becomes a tool of destruction, capable of defiling the entire person and setting a course towards hell. This vivid imagery underscores the severe consequences of careless and harmful speech.

Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit."

Those who indulge in gossip are essentially playing with spiritual fire, producing fruits that lead to death rather than life.

The Heart of the Matter
Gossip is ultimately a matter of the heart. What we speak reflects what is within us.

Luke 6:45 :"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

When gossip flows from our mouths, it reveals an evil treasure within our hearts. To combat gossip, we must seek to transform our hearts and align our speech with the teachings of YAHSHUA.

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."
Our words should build up and impart grace, not tear down and cause harm. This is a call to be mindful of our speech and its impact on others.

The Spiritual Discipline of Guarding the Tongue
Guarding our tongue is a spiritual discipline that requires vigilance and reliance on the Holy Spirit. The Bible offers several practical steps to help us avoid the pitfalls of gossip.

Psalm 141:3 "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips."

Asking YHVH to help us guard our speech is crucial in our battle against gossip. We cannot rely solely on our strength but must seek divine intervention.

Proverbs 21:23:"Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles."

By being vigilant about our words, we protect our souls from the troubles that gossip brings. This includes being mindful of the conversations we engage in and the company we keep.

 Transforming Our Speech
To transform our speech, we need to focus on cultivating a heart filled with love, kindness, and truth. This transformation begins with a commitment to follow the teachings of YAHSHUA and to be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 4:6"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." 

Graceful speech that is seasoned with salt—truth and wisdom—should be our goal. This requires conscious effort and the desire to reflect YAHSHUA in all we say.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

By meditating on virtuous and praiseworthy things, we fill our hearts with goodness, which will naturally overflow in our speech.
 

The Call to Righteous Speech
Gossip, when examined through the lens of Scripture, is revealed to be a dangerous and destructive practice, akin to witchcraft. It not only harms others but also places the gossiper in spiritual peril. The Bible’s teachings on the power of the tongue and the importance of righteous speech are clear and compelling.

As followers of YAHSHUA, we are called to a higher standard of communication. Our words should reflect the love, grace, and truth of YHVH. By guarding our tongues, transforming our hearts, and seeking divine assistance, we can overcome the temptation to gossip and instead use our speech to build up and bless others.

Let us heed the warning of Scripture and commit to a life of righteous speech, understanding that our words hold the power of life and death. In doing so, we honor YAHSHUA and reflect His love to the world around us.