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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Gossip/Rumors (either or both) (10/28/10)
    Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. (Proverbs 26:20 NIV)
Many of us know what it means by the term ‘grapevine’. In organizational context, grapevine refers to the informal transmission of information, gossip or rumor from person to person. Information exchanged within the grapevine is frequently from unofficial or unrevealed source.

According to survey estimates by various business journals, 75 percent of employees typically receive news from the grapevine before they hear about it through formal networks. Such news, nevertheless, are often distorted from the original information after passing through several people, and usually include deletion of fine details and exaggeration of key points from the full story. With the advancement of information technology, the grapevine today is able to create more havoc than ever before in spreading rumors faster and farther around the world beyond traditional water cooler gossiping via emailing, instant messaging and social networks.

Studies in organizational behavior believe that grapevine rumors and gossips are most active during times of uncertainty and when employees are anxious. Social interaction through the grapevine is therefore seen by some as acceptable response to relieve anxiety and fulfill the need for affiliation. In a sense, it may be true that such response can serve as valuable signal for corporate leaders to take appropriate actions to resolve problems or communicate more fully through formal networks. However, such interaction can also escalate rather than alleviate anxieties. This is because distorted information from unqualified or uninformed source can demoralize employees to think the worst of the management as lacking sincerity and concern by its slower response than the grapevine. Moreover, misleading information can also be intentionally planted by the management or colleagues, which if assumed as the whole truth, can distort the original information or create negative reaction to provoke expected action.

Just as organizational grapevine can create much damage, the Bible also teaches about the dangers of gossiping and spreading unqualified information. In the Book of Proverbs, the author wrote, “a gossip betrays confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret” (Proverbs 11:13 NIV). This means unless we hold our tongues from carrying tales and put a stop to revealing secrets or leaking news from unqualified source, we cannot be considered trustworthy or be entrusted to conceal any confidential matter. The only way to put an end to such contentment and squabbling is therefore to stamp out gossip, for without wood a fire goes out, and without gossip a quarrel dies down (Proverbs 26:20 NIV).

We should therefore not try to justify ourselves to think it is fine for us to gossip and spread rumors as a natural response to relieve anxiety or feelings of uncertainty. Instead, we should put a stop to rumors if we hear any, and be the one to exterminate further spreading. If we wish to discuss with others about how we feel, we will do fine by first getting our information right from qualified source. In this way, we will then not demoralize others by untruth or discuss matters that are distorted from the original information or from unreliable source.

Forgive us dear Lord for the times we spread news of what we may believe is true, but is not. We pray Lord that You will keep our hearts strong that we may not listen to rumors, but always verify the information from the original source. Help us Lord to control our tongues and our inner urge to want to gossip and spread untruth. Calm our hearts Lord in times of uncertainty and anxiety, and restore to us the confidence and trust we have in You. Strengthen us Lord that we may strengthen others instead of demoralize them. Thank You Lord for granting us the many avenues to communicate Your truth to the world beyond the grapevine and social networks. Lead us in our words Lord that through our speech and other modes of communication, we may glorify Your name in all we do and speak.
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This article has been read 1447 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/04/10
This is a great example and talking about job security and other things on the workplace didn't occur to me when I thought of this topic. The prayer is beautiful and one I prayed with great emotion tonight.
Cheryl Harrison
11/08/10
Good message. It only takes a spark to get a fire going. Always better to stamp out gossip instead of fanning the flames. Keep writing!
Caitlyn Meissner
11/09/10
I like how you connected gossip with insecurity. I'd never considered it that way, but I think you're right.

I noticed a few typos, especially with the words "source". There were several times when I thought you should have said "unreliable sources" or "reliable sources" instead of "unreliable source".

Thanks for a great lesson on the dangers of gossip/rumors. :)
Lollie Hofer 
11/09/10
I like how you stated facts and data about gossiping and then looked at the spiritual aspect of it. If you're the same person who's done a couple other expositories on the weekly topics, I'm getting hooked and look forward to them. I'm learning a lot, besides being challenged spiritually.
Kate Oliver Webb
11/10/10
A well-done and heartfelt nudge to examine ourselves to be sure we're being careful about the use of our tongues. We know these truths, but certainly need to be reminded; and you presented some of these in a new and fresh way. Thank you.
Patricia Turner 
11/11/10
I've observed much about gossip that you mentioned in your excellent article. I also like the way you tied this back to scripture. I hope you're considering a book of these devotionals.