There’s a very well know Arab proverb that says, “The tongue has no bones, but it can break a back.” It may sound extreme, but if you’ve spent any time in the Middle East, you’ll know how true it is. Here, words carry weight. Reputation is everything. And a single whisper can open or shut doors that no amount of effort can undo.
David learned this lesson the hard way.
The Story of a Reputation Lost Overnight
Years ago, David was working in a small Middle Eastern town, where relationships matter more than résumés. Trust is currency, and once lost, it’s nearly impossible to regain. One evening, he sat with a respected local leader for tea, discussing the possibility of working together on a community project. Everything seemed to be going well.
But the next morning, things had changed. David walked into the market, and instead of warm greetings, he was met with cold stares. A friend quietly pulled him aside and said, “There’s a rumor going around that you are working for foreign intelligence.”
David was stunned. The mere accusation, whispered in the right circles, was enough to damage everything he had built. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t true, what mattered was that people believed it. It took months of careful relationship-building to restore his reputation, and even then, some remained skeptical.
Gossip: A Silent Destroyer
In the West, gossip is often dismissed as harmless chatter. But in the Middle East, it is a weapon. A single rumor can shatter business deals, end friendships, and even put lives at risk. This isn’t just a cultural phenomenon—it’s a human reality. The Bible speaks to this clearly:
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11:13)
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” (Proverbs 18:8)
These verses remind us that gossip isn’t just noise; it’s poison. It seeps deep into hearts and minds, shaping perceptions and altering realities.
The Ripple Effect of Gossip
- It Destroys Trust – Once people suspect you of being untrustworthy, every word you say is questioned. Even the truth gets tangled in doubt.
- It Shapes Identity – In honor-shame cultures like the Middle East, your reputation is your identity. A damaged name can mean rejection, exclusion, and even financial hardship.
- It Spreads Like Fire – A single careless word, once spoken, cannot be taken back. In an age of social media and instant messaging, rumors spread faster than ever.
The Call to Speak Life
As followers of Jesus, our words should heal, not harm. In a world where gossip destroys, we are called to be different. Here’s how:
- Refuse to participate – When someone shares gossip, change the subject or challenge it with truth.
- Speak well of others – Imagine if every word you spoke was recorded and played back in public. Would you be ashamed?
- Guard your heart – Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). If gossip is coming out of our mouths, what does that reveal about our hearts?
Words Can Build or Break You
That small town David lived in eventually welcomed him back. But I never forgot how quickly a careless whisper could undo years of work. Gossip is a force that can make or break you.
What if, instead of spreading rumors, we became people who spread encouragement? What if our words lifted others up rather than tore them down? In a world where words hold power, let’s choose to use ours to bring life.
After all, the tongue may have no bones, but it has the power to break—or heal—a person’s very soul.
The Basin and Towel 