Avoid the Flames of Gossip — Choose Peace Over Strife
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”
-Proverbs 26:20 (KJV)
You can’t have a fire without something to burn—and gossip works the same way. If no one gives ear to it, the flames of anger, division, and strife die out. Gossip requires a listener, and those who entertain it fuel the fire just as much as the one spreading it.
A talebearer needs an audience. Without someone to whisper to, their words lose power. Often, those who listen to gossip enjoy the drama just as much as the one delivering it. But as the old saying goes: “If you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything at all.”
Some will argue, “But if it’s true, why does it matter?” The truth is—just because something is true doesn’t mean it needs to be shared. Wisdom is knowing when to speak and when to stay silent.
Gossip destroys friendships, divides churches, and poisons hearts. But when we refuse to be part of it—when we don’t add wood to the fire—the strife ceases.
Reflective Questions:
- Do I sometimes find myself listening to or spreading gossip without realizing it?
- What boundaries can I put in place to avoid being a participant in gossip?
- How can I use my words to build others up instead of tearing them down?
Prayer:
In Jesus name I come before You, Lord, asking for a heart that seeks peace and not conflict. Help me to recognize gossip for what it is and to turn away from it. Teach me to guard my ears, my mouth, and my spirit, that I may walk in love and truth. Give me the courage to shut down conversations that do not glorify You. Let my words be a source of healing and not harm. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thank you for reading. God bless you!
All Scripture in Steps Towards Eternity Daily Devotional is from the King James Bible. (KJV)
Scriptures marked KJV are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION (KJV): KING JAMES VERSION, public domain in The United States. Pathway365 is based in the United States and is governed by its laws. Outside of the United States, you’ll need to check the copyright laws in your country before use.
Scripture quotations from The Authorized (King James) Version. Rights in the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. Reproduced by permission of the Crown’s patentee, Cambridge University Press