05.04.T02-SA — Self-Assessment: What Drivers of Negative Gossip Are Operating in My Life?

Assessing My Vulnerability to the Root Causes of Negative Gossip

This chapter teaches that negative gossip is often the visible symptom of deeper character, spiritual and emotional issues. Through the experiences of Shemaiah, Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, Eliashib, Lulu, Obed and others, we discover that gossip may be driven by jealousy, rivalry, bitterness, inferiority, selfish ambition, lack of empathy, hypocrisy, desire for popularity, lack of accountability and other hidden motivations.

This assessment is designed to help you identify attitudes and tendencies that could make you vulnerable to participating in negative gossip.

Scoring Guide

Part A: Spiritual Sensitivity

The chapter suggests that chronic gossip can be a sign of spiritual decline.

1. I actively seek God's guidance in my daily decisions.

Score: _____

2. I feel convicted when I speak negatively about people.

Score: _____

3. My relationship with God influences the conversations I participate in.

Score: _____

4. I regularly examine my spiritual condition.

Score: _____

5. I quickly repent when I realise I have wronged someone.

Score: _____

Part B: Empathy and Sensitivity

The chapter identifies lack of empathy as a major driver of gossip.

6. Before discussing someone, I consider how my words could affect that person.

Score: _____

7. I am sensitive to other people's emotional pain.

Score: _____

8. I avoid conversations that could embarrass or humiliate others.

Score: _____

9. I naturally place myself in the victim's position before commenting.

Score: _____

10. I care about the impact of my words on families, careers and relationships.

Score: _____

Part C: Cruelty and Harshness

The chapter warns against deriving satisfaction from another person's difficulties.

11. I avoid celebrating the failures of people I disagree with.

Score: _____

12. I do not enjoy hearing negative news about people I dislike.

Score: _____

13. I avoid using hurtful or insulting language when discussing others.

Score: _____

14. I genuinely desire restoration rather than punishment for offenders.

Score: _____

15. I can disagree with someone without becoming malicious.

Score: _____

Part D: Truthfulness and Slander

The chapter highlights the destructive nature of false accusations.

16. I verify information before sharing it.

Score: _____

17. I avoid repeating rumours that I cannot confirm.

Score: _____

18. I correct misinformation when I discover it.

Score: _____

19. I value truth more than interesting stories.

Score: _____

20. I am careful not to exaggerate people's mistakes.

Score: _____

Part E: Jealousy

The chapter identifies jealousy as a powerful source of gossip.

21. I celebrate other people's success without resentment.

Score: _____

22. I do not feel threatened when others receive recognition.

Score: _____

23. I can applaud the achievements of my peers.

Score: _____

24. I do not minimise the accomplishments of others.

Score: _____

25. I am genuinely happy when others prosper.

Score: _____

Part F: Rivalry and Competition

The chapter shows how unhealthy competition can fuel negative gossip.

26. I compete fairly when pursuing opportunities.

Score: _____

27. I do not undermine people I perceive as competitors.

Score: _____

28. I focus on improving myself rather than pulling others down.

Score: _____

29. I can work effectively with people who outperform me.

Score: _____

30. I avoid viewing every successful person as a rival.

Score: _____

Part G: Double-Dealing and Hypocrisy

The chapter discusses saying different things to different people.

31. I am consistent in what I say about people whether they are present or absent.

Score: _____

32. People would describe me as trustworthy.

Score: _____

33. I avoid manipulating relationships for personal advantage.

Score: _____

34. I do not pretend to support people while secretly working against them.

Score: _____

35. My public and private behaviour are generally consistent.

Score: _____

Part H: Inferiority and Insecurity

The chapter links gossip to feelings of inadequacy.

36. I am comfortable with my strengths and limitations.

Score: _____

37. I do not compare myself excessively with others.

Score: _____

38. I do not need to put others down to feel important.

Score: _____

39. I believe my worth comes from God rather than status.

Score: _____

40. I can appreciate gifted people without feeling diminished.

Score: _____

Part I: Accountability and Responsibility

The chapter highlights the role of accountability and responsibility.

41. I take responsibility for my mistakes.

Score: _____

42. I focus on completing my own responsibilities before criticising others.

Score: _____

43. I am willing to be held accountable for my actions and words.

Score: _____

44. I avoid blaming others for problems I contributed to.

Score: _____

45. I regularly evaluate my performance and behaviour.

Score: _____

Part J: Self-Control and Meddling

The chapter warns against uncontrolled speech and interfering in matters that do not concern us.

46. I control my tongue even when emotional.

Score: _____

47. I resist the urge to discuss private matters that do not concern me.

Score: _____

48. I know when to remain silent.

Score: _____

49. I avoid inserting myself into other people's affairs unnecessarily.

Score: _____

50. I think carefully before speaking about sensitive issues.

Score: _____

Part K: Selfish Ambition, Popularity and Bitterness

The chapter concludes by highlighting selfishness, desire for cheap popularity and unforgiveness.

51. I do not seek attention by sharing sensational information.

Score: _____

52. I avoid using gossip to gain influence or acceptance.

Score: _____

53. I forgive people who hurt or disappoint me.

Score: _____

54. I do not use rumours as a weapon to settle scores.

Score: _____

55. I am free from lingering bitterness toward specific people.

Score: _____

Scoring Summary

Part A Total: _____ / 25

Part B Total: _____ / 25

Part C Total: _____ / 25

Part D Total: _____ / 25

Part E Total: _____ / 25

Part F Total: _____ / 25

Part G Total: _____ / 25

Part H Total: _____ / 25

Part I Total: _____ / 25

Part J Total: _____ / 25

Part K Total: _____ / 25

Grand Total: _____ / 275

Reflection on My Results

56. Which driver of gossip appears to be your greatest vulnerability?

☐ Jealousy

☐ Rivalry

☐ Inferiority

☐ Lack of empathy

☐ Desire for popularity

☐ Bitterness

☐ Lack of self-control

☐ Meddling

☐ Lack of accountability

☐ Hypocrisy

☐ Other

57. Which area emerged as your greatest strength?

58. Which character in this chapter do you most resemble when under pressure? Why?

59. Which character do you most want to avoid becoming? Why?

60. What practical step will help you address your greatest vulnerability?

61. Looking at Shemaiah, Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, Eliashib, Lulu and Obed, which warning do you most need to take seriously today?