Whisperers

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gives prestigious Oscar awards to honor the best films and movie performances of the year. But a recent report revealed how, actually, many awards are won or lost not because of merit but because of “whisper campaigns.”

This kind of gossip takes place constantly. Some occurs through normal human interaction. But much “whispering” is orchestrated by sophisticated media professionals who spread gossip at business meetings, lunches, and social occasions. They plant ideas and rumors often subtly through emails and text messages.

What is criticized? Just about anything. And the goal is to tear down their rivals and elevate their own projects. These campaigns have proven to be so influential that they often help determine if a film succeeds or fails, or whether or not it wins any awards.

These entertainment professionals have discovered a Biblical truth. That “the words of a whisperer…go down into the innermost parts of the body.” A whisper campaign can wound deeply and even “separates the best of friends” (Proverbs 16:28 NLT). Gossip can stoke controversy, but “quarrels disappear when gossip stops” (Proverbs 26:20 NLT). A gossip may go “around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence” (Proverbs 11:13 NLT).

As Hollywood whisperers have discovered, whispering allows gossipers to talk about a person or project in a way that can seem discrete, but which actually is extremely harmful. Avoiding direct confrontation, they can say anything they want, with great impact. Sadly, “wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander” (Proverbs 17.4 NLT).

In your life, remember the power of your words (James 3:5-8). Let the Holy Spirit give you discernment and sensitivity.

Don’t be a gossip! Instead, be careful what you say. Remember that you will be judged based on the words you speak (Matthew 7:2).