Definition and Nature:
Rumours are unverified pieces of information or accounts that are circulated among people. In the biblical context, rumours often refer to reports or news that may or may not be true, and they can lead to fear, confusion, or unrest among individuals or communities.

Biblical References:
The Bible addresses the concept of rumours in several passages, highlighting their potential to cause disruption and anxiety. In the Old Testament, rumours are often associated with fear and the anticipation of events, whether real or imagined.

1. Proverbs 18:8 : "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down into the inmost being." This verse underscores the impact of spoken words, including rumours, on individuals. Rumours can deeply affect those who hear them, influencing thoughts and emotions.

2. Jeremiah 51:46 : "Do not lose heart or be afraid when rumors are heard in the land, for a rumor will come one year—and then another the next year—of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler." Here, the prophet Jeremiah warns against succumbing to fear due to rumours, suggesting that they are often recurring and can lead to unnecessary panic.

3. Matthew 24:6 : "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come." Jesus speaks to His disciples about the signs of the end times, cautioning them not to be disturbed by rumours, as they are part of the unfolding of God's plan.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
The Bible encourages believers to be discerning and cautious about spreading or believing rumours. The potential for rumours to cause harm is significant, as they can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and division. Christians are called to seek truth and promote peace, avoiding the spread of false or harmful information.

1. Exodus 23:1 : "You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness." This commandment emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity, warning against the dissemination of false information.

2. Ephesians 4:29 : "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This exhortation encourages believers to speak words that edify and uplift, rather than contribute to the spread of damaging rumours.

Practical Implications for Believers:
Christians are urged to approach rumours with wisdom and discernment. This involves verifying information before accepting or sharing it and considering the potential impact of their words on others. Believers are encouraged to foster an environment of trust and truth, reflecting the character of Christ in their communication.

1. James 1:19 : "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." This advice highlights the importance of careful listening and thoughtful speaking, which can help prevent the spread of rumours.

2. Philippians 4:8 : "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." By focusing on what is true and honorable, believers can guard against the negative influence of rumours and contribute to a culture of truth and encouragement.

The Bishop of Hippo
... gossiped. Megalius, a punctilious defender of discipline and the hierarchy,
no doubt gathered up these malevolent rumours with pleasure. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the bishop of hippo.htm

Since I have Found Some who Deem Themselves Very Wise in their ...
... lest, on the one hand, those persons should imagine that they are declaring some
weighty matter, when they are merely retailing vulgar rumours; [3241] and on ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/1 since i have found.htm

Athanasius Has Heard of his Own Proscription.
... Such were the rumours that were noised abroad; and although everything was thus
turned upside down, I still did not relinquish my earnest desire of coming to ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/29 athanasius has heard of.htm

Excursus on the Council of Frankfort, AD 794.
... Therefore even if false rumours concerning the Seventh Synod had been scattered
about, as Genebrardus affirms (on what foundation I know not), the Fathers of ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the council of.htm

The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... It was, too, across Ephraim with its mixed population in touch with the court and
markets of Nineveh, that rumours of war usually reached Benjamin and Judah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture iii the prophethis youth.htm

Introduction.
... In the seventeenth century there were rumours that the missing Apology of Aristides
was to be found in various monastic libraries in Greece; and Spon, a French ...
/.../kay/the apology of aristides the philosopher/introduction.htm

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
... To silence the rumours then circulated of his having forsaken the reformed religion,
he, on the 19th of August, 1565, attended service at St. ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /a sermon on isaiah xxvi.htm

section v.
... In those days there shall com Wars and rumours of Wars, to me seems no prophecy,
but a constant truth, in all times verified since it was pronounced. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section v.htm

Of the Infirmity of the Flesh, and Similar Pleas.
... rejoices in its own shame, pleads the necessity of a husband to the female sex,
as a source of authority and of comfort, or to render it safe from evil rumours ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter iv of the infirmity of.htm

Jerusalem that Killeth the Prophets
... And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for
such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter xiii jerusalem that killeth.htm

Rumours (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Rumours (2 Occurrences). Matthew 24:6 And ye
shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not ...
/r/rumours.htm - 6k

Disturbed (30 Occurrences)
... Matthew 2:3 When King Herod heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
(See NIV). Matthew 24:6 But ye will hear of wars and rumours of wars. ...
/d/disturbed.htm - 15k

Alarmed (28 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Matthew 24:6 And before long you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. Do
not be alarmed, for such things must be; but the End is not yet. (WEY RSV NIV) ...
/a/alarmed.htm - 14k

Rump (5 Occurrences)

/r/rump.htm - 9k

Rumour (13 Occurrences)

/r/rumour.htm - 10k

Needs (85 Occurrences)
... Mark 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled:
for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/n/needs.htm - 30k

Pass (1172 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be
not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. ...
/p/pass.htm - 44k

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