Speaking wicked words is folly, but so is listening to them. Without a willing audience, foolish talk dies. But with listening ears, it spreads. Listening to wicked lips is the behavior of an evildoer. In fact, the listener is himself a liar: “. . . a liar gives ear.” We might tell ourselves that we disapprove of a mischievous tongue, but by listening we get involved. The New Testament echoes these truths, reminding us that the gospel deeply saves us, so that we no longer rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoice with the truth (1 Cor. 13:6). The words we speak, and the words we accept, reveal the true condition of our hearts (Matt. 12:34). For example, “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels” (Prov. 18:8). Gossip and controversy can be tasty. When this appetite for negative information spreads, it can separate even close friends (16:28). But the gospel’s positive remedy for gossip is hearts filled, and continually refilled, with the word of Christ (Col. 3:16). Then we will turn the tables on gossip, set a new tone, and speak up for people being falsely accused (Prov. 31:8–9).

The Gospel Transformation Study Bible, Commentary on Proverbs 17:4