7 February | Youth
«Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.» Leviticus 19:16, NIV
Rumors, tattle, slander, chatter. These ugly words are synonymous with “gossip.” Popularly, it means talking about people behind their backs, without their consent. Do you know any gossipers? Do not even tell me who they are, otherwise, there will be two more!
According to ethnolinguist Yeda Castro, the term “fofoca” in Portuguese (which is the word used for gossip) derives from the African word fuka, which means “to rummage,” “to turn over,” “to revolve.” This reminds me of the scene of someone looking through the trash in search of food or something that will bring them some benefit. Those who gossip do the same thing, but with other people's flaws. The result is an environment that smells bad and is rotting.
In today's text, God asks us not to spread slanders, which also involves gossip and lies. The sins of the “tongue” are so offensive to God that they have been compared in the Bible to murder.
Referring to the Jewish leaders, Jesus said: “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44). Anyone who speaks ill of others is a “mini devil,” someone who kills people with their own tongue.
But how was Satan a murderer from the beginning? The prophet Ezekiel responds: “Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned” (Ezek 28:16, NIV). In the original Hebrew text, the term “trade” is a translation of the word rekhullah, which refers both to a merchant who goes from door to door and to a slanderer.
Do you often speak badly about other people? Remember today the words of the apostle Paul: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth” (Eph 4:29). Want one last tip? Practice “good” gossip. Only speak good about other people.