Words translated as “gossip” in the NASB NT

• Diabolos [1228] – I Timothy 3:11; II Timothy 3:3; Titus 2:3 – devil, malicious gossip, slanderer
  • “a common term for ‘devil’ found in about forty contexts”
• Psithyristes [5588] – Romans 1:29
  • Gossips, whisperers
  • “A whisperer, a secret slanderer” (Zodhiates)
  • We should not applaud those who practice gossip.
• Psithyrismos [5587] – II Corinthians 12:20
  • Gossip, whisperings
  • “A whispering, particularly of slander and detraction, hurtful gossip” (Zodhiates)
• Phlyaros [5397] – I Timothy 5:13
  • Gossips, tattlers
  • “A tattler, an idle or trifling talker, one who boils over with impertinent talk” (Zodhiates)

But lets realize that not ALL personal or negative communication is gossip.

• II Timothy 4:14-15
• I Corinthians 1:10-11
• Galatians 2:11-14
• III John 1:9-10

Definition of gossip

• “The sharing of personal or negative information about someone else, either true or false, without righteous intent.”

Questions to ask myself before talking about someone

What’s my goal?

• John 4:35

Should I say something now?

• James 1:19
• Proverbs 11:13; 17:19; 26:20

If the roles were reversed, would I want someone saying this about me?

• Matthew 7:12

Am I telling the right people?

• Proverbs 16:28