Gossip
Often when a preacher preaches on gossip some folks comment that he has stopped preaching and gone to “meddling”. Teaching and preaching the truth is not meddling. It is likely the ones who participate in this dangerous and sinful practice are those who make such accusations. These accusations indicate that this a real issue among humans, and unfortunately also sometimes exists in the church.
The Spirit had James deal with sins of the tongue in James 3:10; specifically the sin of using the tongue to curse. “out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” The same phrase at the end of the verse applies to gossip. “these things ought not so to be.”
There was a comedy T.V. show named “Hee-Haw” that aired from 1969-1971, then ran in syndication for 21 years that treated gossip in a humorous manner. This was done to make a point as to how ridiculous gossip is. The song lyrics are:
"Now, we're not ones to go 'round spreadin' rumors,
Why, really we're just not the gossipy kind,
No, you'll never hear one of us repeating gossip,
So you'd better be sure and listen close the first time!"
The lyrics of this little “ditty” put forth the idea that to tell something “one time” is not gossip. But, the accepted definition of “gossip” is: A rumor or report of an intimate nature. Nothing is said in this definition about the number of times said rumor or report is repeated. Also, nothing is said in the definition about the often irreparable damage that is done by gossip and the gossiper.
While the King James Bible does not use the word “gossip”, it certainly teaches against it. Space in this article will not allow the listing of all the passages that speak against this most harmful activity.
In Psalm 6:19 we find that the next to last in the list of the seven things that are an abomination to the Lord is “a false witness that speaketh lies”. This seems a lot like gossip. We will list a couple more verses, one from the Old Testament and one from the New. Perhaps these should be remembered when information comes to us and we are tempted to pass it on. We should consider these passages to see if we are living according to them when such information comes our way. One of the most relevant passages for this situation is found in Ephesians 4:29. Ask yourself; does the information delivered to you edify if passed on? Would it minister grace to the hearers? If not it is corrupt communication. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. In Psalm 34:13 we find a stern warning about using the tongue and lips to express that which is evil. It reads: Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. This should be enough to convince us that God never has condoned gossip or any other sin of the tongue.
The Spirit had Paul, in Romans 6:13 put it this way to show we are to have total control of all of our members. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. If we gossip or slander we “yield” our member called the tongue as an instrument of unrighteousness and are therefore sinning.
Below are words written by my Father-In-Law, O.D. Wilson, that may help us to see that there can be good in us all and it is totally in our power to control our tongues as well .
Bridle the Tongue
Love Will help you see, if there’s good in me,
I’m not perfect brother, what of you?
What you need to see, Is dark Calvary,
God’s Sweet Love will always see you through.
Bridle up the tongue, do so while you’re young,
Fire is dangerous out of control.
James has put it well, “Set on fire of Hell”.
God’s Sweet Love will always see you through.
One may judge the tree, by its fruit you see,
But don’t let your motive be condemn,
When a brother falls, listen for his call.
God’s Sweet Love will always see you through.
Love Will help you,
over your members gain control,
Don’t wait, too late,
Put the bridle on and save your soul.
(Dennis S. – Mooresville)
