This verse is a leadership test.
“I will stop anyone who secretly says bad things about a neighbor. I will not allow people to be proud and think they are better than others.” — Psalm 101:5 (ERV)
David is telling you how a godly man protects his environment:
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he stops gossip
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he refuses pride
Because gossip and pride are not “personality quirks.” They’re spiritual toxins.
Why Gossip Is So Dangerous
Gossip isn’t just rude. It’s a weapon.
“A gossip causes trouble. They destroy trust.” — Proverbs 16:28 (ERV)
Gossip does three things:
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It trains your mind to judge
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It poisons relationships
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It creates division where God wants unity
And Scripture is blunt about what God thinks of it:
“There are six things the Lord hates… a person who causes trouble in a family.” — Proverbs 6:16–19 (ERV)
That’s not “God dislikes it.” That’s “God hates it.”
Why Pride Is Worse Than You Think
Pride is the original sin. Pride got Satan thrown down. Pride makes men uncorrectable.
“Pride comes before destruction; a proud spirit comes before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18 (ERV)
A proud man can’t grow because he can’t be taught.
“People who refuse to learn will be destroyed.” — Proverbs 1:7 (principle; ERV parallels this theme repeatedly)
How to Actually “Stop” It (Without Becoming a Jerk)
David said “stop anyone.” Not “post about it.” Not “hint.” Not “pray silently while it spreads.”
Here’s the biblical process:
Step 1: Refuse participation immediately.
When the gossip starts, you cut it off.
“Don’t have anything to do with the useless talk that leads people farther away from God.” — 2 Timothy 2:16 (ERV)
Simple lines you can use:
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“We’re not doing that.”
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“Have you talked to them directly?”
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“I don’t want to hear this.”
Step 2: Correct privately when possible.
Jesus gives the pattern:
“If your brother or sister sins, go and tell them their fault. Do it privately…” — Matthew 18:15 (ERV)
Step 3: If it keeps happening, create distance.
This is not “canceling.” This is obedience.
“Warn a person who causes division once, then warn them a second time. After that, avoid them.” — Titus 3:10 (ERV)
Encouragement for the Man Who’s Been Burned
Some of you tolerated gossip because you didn’t want conflict.
But God isn’t building you into a peacemaker who avoids hard conversations. He’s building you into a protector.
When you shut down gossip, your house becomes lighter.
When you refuse pride, your mind becomes teachable again.
That’s not harsh. That’s holy.
God Bless You!
Smitty