Gossip is a Sin

Gossip is when someone interprets things they think they see without knowing the facts. Guessing at what might be true and sharing it with others is a sin!

When we share something that has happened to us personally with a trusted friend it is not gossip. Gossip always includes backbiting and spreading faulty information to influence others to dislike and distrust the one that is gossiped against.

 
Gossip is making judgments about something we were not involved in and do not have evidence to support what we say.

 
Ephesians 4:29
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

Proverbs 6:16-19
"There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers."

Proverbs 16:28
"A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends."

Proverbs 21:23
"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble."

James 1:26
"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless."

Proverbs 20:19
"Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler."

Gossip always includes ignoring the one being gossiped about, never going to them to find out the truth or at least their side of things. Secrecy is paramount in the mind of the gossiper and the hearer who believes the gossip.
Stay away from those who gossip and those who listen to them, they both entertain lies enjoying it as though it is pleasurable to them.