Gossip, in the biblical context, refers to the act of spreading rumors or engaging in idle talk about others, often with the intent to harm reputations or sow discord. The Bible consistently warns against gossip, highlighting its destructive nature and the moral responsibility of believers to avoid it.

The Old Testament provides several admonitions against gossip. In Leviticus 19:16, the Israelites are commanded, "You must not go about spreading slander among your people." This directive underscores the importance of maintaining community harmony and protecting individuals from false accusations. Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, frequently addresses the issue of gossip. Proverbs 11:13 states, "A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence," contrasting the behavior of a gossip with that of a faithful friend.

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the spiritual and communal dangers of gossip. In Romans 1:29-30, Paul lists gossip among a series of sinful behaviors, describing those who engage in it as "slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful." This passage illustrates the severity with which gossip is viewed, associating it with a broader rejection of godly living. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 12:20, Paul expresses concern that he may find "quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder" among the Corinthians, indicating that gossip is a source of division and strife within the church.

James 3:5-6 offers a vivid metaphor for the power of the tongue, likening it to a small spark that can set a great forest ablaze. This imagery serves as a stark reminder of the potential for gossip to cause widespread damage. Believers are called to exercise control over their speech, recognizing the profound impact words can have on individuals and communities.

Discretion

Discretion, as presented in the Bible, involves the ability to make wise decisions, particularly in speech and conduct, to avoid unnecessary harm or conflict. It is closely related to wisdom and understanding, qualities that are highly esteemed in Scripture.

The book of Proverbs frequently extols the virtue of discretion. Proverbs 2:11 states, "Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you," suggesting that discretion serves as a protective measure, guiding individuals away from folly and danger. Proverbs 11:22 offers a vivid illustration: "Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion." This proverb highlights the incongruity and loss of value when beauty is not accompanied by wise judgment.

In the New Testament, discretion is implied in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus instructs His disciples, "Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves," advocating for a balance of wisdom and purity in their interactions with the world. This call to shrewdness can be understood as an encouragement to exercise discretion in navigating complex and potentially hostile environments.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of discretion in the life of a believer. In Colossians 4:5-6, he advises, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Here, discretion is linked to the wise use of time and the careful choice of words, ensuring that interactions with non-believers are both respectful and effective.

Discretion is further associated with the fruit of the Spirit, particularly self-control, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. The exercise of discretion requires a disciplined approach to life, where decisions are made with consideration of their impact on oneself and others, aligning with the broader biblical call to live in a manner worthy of the gospel.