Here is a hand-out our pastor gave us in Ardmore, Oklahoma (in 2009) which included a pledge against gossip and slander:
My Pledge — No Rumors, Gossip, or Slander
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16
Definitions:
Rumor is a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts, hearsay, speculation, whispers, or gossip.
Gossip is casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true. Chiefly derogatory, a person who likes talking about other people’s private lives.
A busybody is a meddling or prying person, a meddler, interferer, mischief-maker, or trouble-maker.
Warnings Against Rumors, Gossip, and Slander in the Bible:
- Busybodies–1 Timothy 5:11-15; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; 1 Peter 4:14-15
- Whisperers–Romans 1:28-29; 30-32
- In general–Exodus 23:1,7; Ex. 23:7, Deut. 19:15-21; Psalms 101:5
The First Rumors or Gossip is Reported in Genesis 3:1-5
- The devil intentionally spread false and negative rumors about God. This was slander.
- The devil in biblical Greek literally means “the slanderer.”
The Pledge:
Because of my love for Christ & His church I pledge the following:
- To refuse to be engaged in gossip.
- Not to repeat negative rumors.
- When I hear something that is unverified, I will choose not to believe it and dismiss it.
- If necessary, I will talk directly with the one being gossiped about and find out the truth.
- Depending on the severity of the gossip, I may tell the pastor or church elder.
