Proverbs 18:8 (ESV)
8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.
8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.
If GOSSIP were food, many people would be OVERWEIGHT!
Everything that is said should be true. Not everything true should be said.
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
T – Is it TRUE?
H – Is it HELPFUL?
I – Is it INSPIRING?
N – Is it NECESSARY?
K – Is it KIND?
Who does gossip hurt?
1. Gossip hurts the PERSON it’s spoken ABOUT.
Proverbs 16:28 (ESV)
28 A dishonest man spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends.
28 A dishonest man spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends.
2. Gossip hurts the LISTENER.
Proverbs 17:4 (ESV)
4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips,
and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips,
and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
Who gossips to you, will gossip about you!
3. Gossip hurts the SPEAKER.
Proverbs 25:9-10 (ESV)
9 Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
and do not reveal another’s secret,
10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,
and your ill repute have no end.
9 Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
and do not reveal another’s secret,
10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,
and your ill repute have no end.
Gossip is the devil’s radio, so don’t be his DJ!
How to control the whispers…
A. Guard your EARS.
Matthew 18:15 (ESV)
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
Proverbs 20:19 (ESV)
19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;
therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;
therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
B. Close your MOUTH.
Proverbs 21:23 (ESV)
23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.
23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.
Luke 6:31
31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Luke 6:45 (ESV)
45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Gossip claims I am strong because they are weak. But the Gospel proclaims, I am weak, but He is strong.