The Plague of Gossip

Introduction:
Many friendships and family ties have been sacrificed at the altar of gossip. Each of us at one time or another have been the subject of another’s gossip. Who hasn’t experienced the power of the tongue to hurt and destroy? Such behavior is condemned in scripture. See Pro. 18:6-8; 16:28; 10:18; Mt. 7:12. The bible describes the gossiper as a talebearer; whisperer; busybody; or slanderer. Christians ought not be found as slanderers or gossipers. See also 2 Cor. 12:20 and Rom. 1:29-30.

I. A look at what the gossiper does.
    A. He __________ others deeply. Psa. 41:7
        1. He intends to bring hurt to the one spoke about. See also Psa. 56:5
    B. He always finds __________ ________________.
        1. Pro. 18:8; 26:22—__________ __________
        2. Too many find much delight in hearing about “some new thing” in someone else’s life.
    C. Gossipers separate ________________. Pro. 17:9
    D. Gossipers sow __________ & ________ _______ evil. Pro. 16:27
        1. “Dig up evil,” literally means to “dig others a _______.”
        2. There is much mischief in such words.
    E. Gossipers do not keep a _______________. Pro. 20:19
        1. You can’t trust a gossip!
    F. Gossipers destroy their own ____________. Pro. 18:7

II. Not all conversation about brethren is _____________.
    A. Communication can produce ________ ___________.
    B. But it must not degenerate into a gossip! How?
        1. When it is a _________.
        2. When it is an inflated ______________.
    C. Real evil is done when we impugn motives; or enlarge details.

III. Some practical suggestions.
    A. Before repeating something seen or heard STOP and ask:
        1. Is it _______________?
        2. What ______________ will it accomplish?
    B. If these questions cannot be answered positively—then the story should not be repeated.
    C. If something is going to ________ rather than ________; it should be allowed to die right there.

Conclusion:
    A. Pro. 26:20-22
    B. Mt. 12:35
    C. Gossip is sin! Are you watching what comes out of your mouth?



The Plague of Gossip Introduction: Many friendships and family ties have been sacrificed at the altar of gossip. Each of us at one time or another have been the subject of another’s gossip. Who hasn’t experienced the power of the tongue to hurt and destroy? Such behavior is condemned in scripture. See Pro. 18:6-8; 16:28; 10:18; Mt. 7:12. The bible describes the gossiper as a talebearer; whisperer; busybody; or slanderer. Christians ought not be found as slanderers or gossipers. See also 2 Cor. 12:20 and Rom. 1:29-30. I. A look at what the gossiper does. A. He __________ others deeply. Psa. 41:7 1. He intends to bring hurt to the one spoke about. See also Psa. 56:5 B. He always finds __________ ________________. 1. Pro. 18:8; 26:22—__________ __________ 2. Too many find much delight in hearing about “some new thing” in someone else’s life. C. Gossipers separate ________________. Pro. 17:9 D. Gossipers sow __________ & ________ _______ evil. Pro. 16:27 1. “Dig up evil,” literally means to “dig others a _______.” 2. There is much mischief in such words. E. Gossipers do not keep a _______________. Pro. 20:19 1. You can’t trust a gossip! F. Gossipers destroy their own ____________. Pro. 18:7 II. Not all conversation about brethren is _____________. A. Communication can produce ________ ___________. B. But it must not degenerate into a gossip! How? 1. When it is a _________. 2. When it is an inflated ______________. C. Real evil is done when we impugn motives; or enlarge details. III. Some practical suggestions. A. Before repeating something seen or heard STOP and ask: 1. Is it _______________? 2. What ______________ will it accomplish? B. If these questions cannot be answered positively—then the story should not be repeated. C. If something is going to ________ rather than ________; it should be allowed to die right there. Conclusion: A. Pro. 26:20-22 B. Mt. 12:35 C. Gossip is sin! Are you watching what comes out of your mouth?