The Plague of Gossip

 

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Topic # 2283

Introduction:

A.     Statement by Cooper in “The Sin of Gossip.”

B.     Pro. 18:6-8; 16:28

1.      Many friendships; family ties have been sacrificed at the altar of gossip.

2.      Each of us, at one time or another, has been the object of another’s gossip.

3.      Who hasn’t experienced the power of the tongue to hurt & destroy?

C.    This is why such behavior is condemned in Scripture.

1.      Pro. 10:18; Mt. 7:12 would also apply here.

D.    Gossip defined: “a person who chatters or repeats idle talk & rumors about others.”

1.      Bible describes gossiper as a talebearer; whisperer; busybody; or slanderer.

2.      Eph. 4:25 – much instruction in NT about the tongue.

3.      Christians ought not to be found as slanderers or gossipers.

4.      Sin doesn’t keep good company – 2 Cor. 12:20; Rom. 1:29-30

 

I.  A look at what the gossiper does.

A.     He wounds others deeply.  Psa 41:7

1.      Gossiper intends to bring hurt to the one spoke about.

2.      Psa. 56:5 – his thoughts are against the person for evil.

B.     He always finds eager listeners.

1.      Pro. 18:8; 26:22 – dainty morsels.  Why this phrase translated out of Hebrew in this way?

2.      Just as the delicate eater loves his delicacies – so the man who delights in gossip gloats over it sinking into his heart.

3.      Too many find much delight in hearing about “some new thing” in someone else’s life.

4.      We must be careful!

C.    Gossipers separate friends.

1.      Pro. 17:9

2.      Happens when we repeat things we shouldn’t about others.

3.      Wise to keep mouth shut with certain things.

a)     Best of friends have become the worst of enemies because of idle or unnecessary talk.

D.    Gossipers sow strife & dig up evil.

1.      Pro. 16:27 – “dig up evil” literally means to “dig others a pit.”  Thus they prepare evil for others.

2.      This is the person who does much mischief w/his words.

3.      This is the person who “uses words, which like an iron glowing hot, scorches and burns.”

E.     Gossipers do not keep a secret.

1.      Pro. 20:19 – ever known anyone who cannot keep a secret?

a)     Justify by saying, “I was told this in confidence…be sure not to tell anyone I told you.”

2.      Can’t trust a gossip.

a)     Don’t want anything to get out – don’t tell a gossip!

b)     Want something to get out – tell a gossip!

F.     Gossipers destroy their own souls.

1.      Pro. 18:7 – He digs his own grave.

2.      Very words he uses to wound others will bring about the ruin of his own soul.

3.      He brings about his own condemnation.

 

II. Not all conversation about brethren is gossip.

A.     Communication about people is essential!  Produces good fruit!

B.     But…it degenerates into gossip when it becomes censorious talk…

1.      when it is a lie

2.      When it is an inflated truth.

3.      Usually gossip based on element of truth – but then gets blown out of proportion.

C.    Real evil done when we:

1.      impugn motives

2.      Enlarge details.

3.      Enhance the drama to make story more interesting.

III. Some practical suggestions:

A.     Before one repeats something he observes or hears about another he should STOP and ask 2 questions:

1.      Is it truth?

a)     Things are not always what they seem.

2.      What good will it accomplish?

a)     Will it bear good fruit if it is repeated?

b)     Will it make someone a better person?

c)      Will it bring a person to repentance?

d)     Will it forewarn the listener against some danger?

e)     Will it give the opportunity for someone else to help?

3.      If these cannot be answered positively, then the story should not be repeated.

4.      May be truth…but if telling truth harms rather than helps – it should be allowed to die right there.

Conclusion:

A.     Pro. 26:20-22

B.     Mt. 12:36

C.    Gospel Spotlight Article

D.    I N V I T A T I O N