Have you ever pondered what exactly a mill does? There are several definitions of a mill. It can be a factory to manufacture products
(paper, steel, textiles). It can be a building
equipped with machinery to grind grain into other products. A mill can also be a machine for grinding,
crushing, or pulverizing any solid substance, such as a coffee mill or spice
mill.
And, now for the word gossip. Gossip is defined as idle talk or rumor,
especially about the personal or private affairs of others.
Now, consider the term "gossip
mill". Sounds harmless enough. But, from these clear definitions, we can
surmise that a "gossip mill" is the act of grinding… crushing… or
pulverizing someone. Someone's spirit…
someone's emotions… someone's reputation.
Our mouth becomes the mill and our words the grinding mechanism.
No wonder there are so many verses in the Bible
that warn against gossip.
‘You
shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a
stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD Leviticus 19:16
A
talebearer reveals secrets, But he who
is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. Proverbs 11:13
A
perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends Proverbs
16:28
The
words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost
body Proverbs 18:8 & Proverbs 26:22
He who
goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one
who flatters with his lips Proverbs
20:19
Where
there is no wood, the fire goes out; And
where there is no talebearer, strife ceases Proverbs 26:20
God knew that the act of gossiping not only hurts
the person that is the subject of the gossip, but also the person sharing the
"tasty trifle".
