Spreading rumors can be part of greater issues like divisiveness. 3 John 1:10 So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. Gossip is an effective tool to divide people. Misinformation keeps individuals off balance.

What can be done about gossip? Proverbs 26:20 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. Lack of participation will quell a rumor. It takes resolve on the part of individuals because rumors are enticing. Proverbs 18:8a The words of a gossip are like choice morsels... Convictions concerning half truths are difficult to cultivate during a crisis. Prevention is the best remedy.