Solving the ever-present puzzle of gossip

Proverbs 26:22 states, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” This well-known verse discusses the idea of gossip. It points out the fact that gossip can often be like “choice morsels” or another way of putting it, alluring. Students gave their input on this concept of gossip and how to deal with and combat the issue that goes “down to the inmost part.”

Since TMU is a smaller campus compared to some, news can get around fast. As one student Emmie Crotts explained, “Rumors definitely spread very quickly on the campus due to how few students there are. This can quickly turn into gossip (even accidentally) because we all have sin nature.” 

Some students expressed how gossip is not unique to TMU solely because of its size. Junior Anna-Cate Kennis pointed out, “I think gossip still happens regardless of the size of a school, but I think because TMU is so small the gossip is more widespread because everyone knows everyone.”  

When looking at the general culture of TMU Crotts explained, “I think that most people here hold to God’s standard of having clean speech. It doesn’t mean that we won’t mess up, but knowing what God’s word says about gossip can help a lot to keep it away.” 

Kennis went off of this point relaying how it depends a lot on the people you surround yourself with. 

“I think everywhere you go when you are dealing with people there will be those who gossip,” she said. “Regardless of the school you go to Christian or not, no one is perfect and that is still something that people struggle with. Unfortunately, I do think that this Campus struggles with gossip in a lot of ways but is unique in that gossip will often get pointed out as wrong.” 

TMU students are required to attend three chapels per week during the semester. Crotts discussed whether she felt the school addressed the topic of gossip within these sessions. 

“I have heard gossip talked about in chapel a few different times, not as much as a main topic, but it is called out as a sin that we should not do,” Crotts said.

Kennis had a slightly different view on the chapel topics 

“I think it is not something that is addressed in chapel. If it is, it’s very little,” she said. “I feel like the school tends to prioritize relationships and marriage whereas many other issues that are also very common among college students are not often addressed.”  

As the students pointed out, the issue of gossip can be found anywhere. To help with this, each student left a piece of advice on how they personally attempt to combat situations where gossip is prevalent. 

“For me, I try my best to surround myself with people who do not participate in the gossip so that I don’t find myself taking part in it,” Kennis said.

Crotts shared a similar take on the issue. 

“I think that if you hear gossip you have to call it out for what it is even if it is awkward,” she said. “That is our job before the Lord to honor Him and we cannot do so if we are tearing others down even behind their backs. I personally think of Ephesians 4:29 which says, ‘Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.’”