Gossip

What is gossip?

Spreading information about someone that may be personal or private (Whether it’s true or not). Slandering people.

What does the Bible say about gossip?

Gossip is bad/causes problems and hurts ppl

Proverbs 16:28 “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”

Proverbs 20:19 “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”

Proverbs 26:20 “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”

Proverbs 11:13 “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”

Proverbs 26:22 “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”

• • • • Morsel - small piece/mouthful of food

We should be building people up with our words

Psalms 15:1-2 “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart”

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Ephesians 4:31 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”

Proverbs 10:18 “Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”

Proverbs 11:12 NLT It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet.

Proverbs 4:24 NIV “Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.”

Key points:

• Gossip is bad and destroys relationships
• We are to build others up according to their needs
• Love your neighbor as yourself

Galatians 5:14 “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”