There is No Good Gossip

One of the worst traps of rudeness is that of being a gossip. Gossiping is one of those things most people tell you they hate, but most people eagerly indulge in it. You can call it sharing news with others, listening to a friend, or use the disguise many Christians use and call it a prayer request. When you are talking about others behind their back, it is a gossip plan and simple.

Scouts and Scouters must understand that gossip is very hurtful and destructive. When you gossip, you lose the trust and respect of others. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that no one will know. The old saying is right that “Whoever gossips to you, will gossip about you.” If you know of someone who tells you in secret something about others, you can bet they will tell others secrets about you.

“Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you

 – not because they are nice, but because you are.”

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Author R. Kent Hughes gives a good description of gossip in his book, Disciplines of a Godly Man: “Gossip involves saying behind a person’s back what you would never say to his or her face. Flattery means saying to a person’s face what you would never say behind his or her back.” A Scout should never be a party to gossip – or to flattery for that matter. Both are insincere and disrespectful to the person they are addressed to.

When you are approached with some gossip, be polite and simply say that you would rather not hear what the person has to say. If in a group, you can excuse yourself and move on. You do not have to correct the gossip or defend yourself. Not listening to gossip is doing what is right. When a Scout does what is right, they never have to protect themselves. Right actions are their defense.

I had a friend several years ago who, whenever a person wanted to tell her something about another person, she would stop them and ask if they could pray for the person. She would say that God knows the need, and she did not have to. Leonard Ravenhill said, “Notice, we never pray for folks we gossip about, and we never gossip about the folks for whom we pray! For prayer is a great deterrent.” As a Scout, you do not want to be considered among those who gossip but be considered among those who pray. Get that reputation, and you will find gossips will come to you less.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey