IT’S NOT WHAT YOU TELL THAT MAKES IT GOSSIP, BUT WHY YOU TELL IT…

“Hey! You aren’t going to believe this!”

“Have you heard the latest?”

“Guess what _______did!”

“Don’t repeat this…”

“I hate to talk about people but…”

Many times these are some of the phrases that are followed by gossip, spreading rumors and telling other peoples’ business.

Gossip can be destructive to people, families, communities, organizations and even churches.

Some popular television shows are successful primarily for the love of gossip.

The bible is clear that God forbids His people from gossiping…

Psalms 101:5

“Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence…”

Proverbs 16:28 (NIV)

“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”

 Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)

“A gossip betrays confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”

 Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their…