Gossip

• Do not gossip (Exodus 23: 1)-Do not pass along false reports.  Do not cooperate with evil people by telling lies on the witness stand.

We are not to spread rumors and lies about anyone; at anytime.  We should not cooperate with the wicked by lying on the witness stand in any Court house.  Gossip and lies are just as bad as murder.  We should keep away from gossiping even if what is being said is true.

• Be careful not to slander (Leviticus 19: 16)-Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people.  Do not try to get ahead at the cost of your neighbor's life, for I am the LORD.

Christians should not spread slanderous things about anyone at anytime.  We should not spread lies about anyone to get what we want.  The LORD makes it clear that He is God, and He sees this deception, and they will not go unpunished.

• Gossiping betrays confidence (Proverbs 11: 13)-A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

When gossips are spread amongst the Church, it betrays the confidence of the one who shared the secret to begin with.  When we refrain from gossiping, people will remain confident in sharing personal matters with us in the future, and we, in turn, will be able to help in the future, which is the primary goal for every Christian.  The reason we are here is to help one another.  However, we cannot help one another if we are quick to betray one another's confidence, and lose trust.  The enemy loves when the Church partakes in gossiping for this reason.

• Gossip separates friends (Proverbs 16: 28)-A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

People who make trouble are the ones who plant these seeds of strife.  What this means is that they are quick to say and do things that sew discord among brethren.  This in turn, can separate the best of friends.  The result is hurt, sadness, anger, strife, madness, illness, and the list goes on.  People that were intended to have great, and healthy relationships end in misery, separation, even loneliness, and nobody wins this way.  Again, the enemy loves this.

• Gossip prolongs tension between people (Proverbs 26: 20)-Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

What this verse means, is the same way fires burn out for lack of fuel, quarrels, fights, and evil also disappear when the gossiping ends.  If we are God's children, we would be careful not to let gossip in, and stop it at it's tracks as soon as there is any sign of it among our congregation.  This is the way the LORD wants it.

• Gossip is attractive (Proverbs 26: 22)-What dainty morsels rumors are-but they sink deep into one's heart.

Gossip is attractive in that when it reaches our ears, most people are immediately drawn into it, not realizing it is extremely bad for them.  The enemy knows that anyone partaking in gossip is in as much danger of following him as a person who commits murder.  It is a trick of the enemy, to not only separate us from our friends and family, but to separate us from the one true living God.  This bad habit needs to end in our Churches.  It is a horrible thing to engage in.  We should be demonstrating God's love for one another.

• People who gossip are wicked (Romans 1: 29)-Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, fighting, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip.  (people who refused to acknowledge God)

When the Church refuses to acknowledge God (deliberately disobeying Him), they are as a non-believer; like someone who has not yet repented of their sins, therefore, can lose their salvation.  If we do not follow God, we prove that we are following the enemy. This is evident in people who participate in gossip as well.

• Gossip should have no place among Christians (1 Timothy 5: 13)-Besides, they are likely to become lazy and spend their time gossiping from house to house, getting into other people's business, and saying things they shouldn't.  

In this part of scripture, it's actually referring to young widows in the Church.  That is why it is recommended that they re-marry so that they can avoid sin during idle time.  Young people with a lot of time on their hands can end up engaging in some of the worst sin.  If we look further into scripture, in verses 14 and on, it describes just that.  They are recommended to remarry, have children, and occupy their time by taking care of their own homes.  This is to prevent the enemy from having anything to say against them.  

I hope this study is helpful in clarifying the importance of not engaging in gossip.  It is a sure way to end friendships, relationships, and more.  Exercising care in this goes a long way among discipleship, and is proven beneficial in any other setting, and in the workplace.  It is a sign of weakness both in the Church and in the professional setting.  Let us continue to pray for one another and remember to refrain from gossip.  God bless you!