Sticks and Stones

The Problem of Gossip

 

8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Proverbs 18:8

 

8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

Proverbs 18:8 ESV

 

Who does gossip hurt?

1. Gossip hurts the person it's spoken about.

 

28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Proverbs 16:28

 

2. Gossip hurts the listener.

 

4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

Proverbs 17:4  

 

3. Gossip hurts the speaker.

 

9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: 10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

Proverbs 25:9-10

 

How do we control gossip?

1. Guard your ears.

 

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Matthew 18:15

 

19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Proverbs 20:19

 

2. Close your mouth.

 

23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 21:23

 

Gossip claims: I am strong because they are weak.

Gospel proclaims: I am weak, but He is strong.