TEXT:  Lev. 19:16;  1 Tim. 5:13

INTRODUCTION:

A.      GOSSIP – “Involves telling and/or listening to uncomplimentary remarks about others with the wrong motive in mind.”

B.      NOT NECESSARILY EVERY TIME WE EXCHANGE INFORMATION.

          1.       Exposure of False Teachers (Rom. 16:17-18;  2 Tim. 4:14-15).

          2.       Elders discussing weak brother isn’t – could be (Heb. 13:7).

          3.       Motives and attitudes must be considered.

C.      2 QUESTIONS.

          1.       How can we tell if it’s gossip?

          2.       What harm is it?

I.     WHEN DOES OUR SPEECH CONSTITUTE GOSSIP?

A.      WHEN WE TELL SOMETHING UNCOMPLEMENTARY TO ENTERTAIN.

          1.       Not because we are sympathetic or wish to help.

          2.       When we laugh at someone’s weakness, sin or trouble (Eph. 5:3-5).

B.      WHEN WE TELL TO BUILD OUR EGO (Prov. 29:23).

          1.       Some feel superior when they talk of others faults.

          2.       Others are not our standard (2 Cor. 10:12;  Luke 18:9-13 – even as this Publican).

C.      REVENGEFUL GOSSIP.

          1.       If someone sins against us (Matt. 18:15-17).

          2.       Romans 12:19.

D.      WHEN WE TELL FOR SPITE – LOVE WON’T GOSSIP (1 Cor. 13:5-6).

E.      WHEN WE TALK JUST TO HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY (Prov. 29:20).

II.    THE EFFECTS OF GOSSIP.

A.      ENCOURAGES AND CIRCULATES LIES.

          PERPETUATES THAT WHICH SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DIE.

          1.       Party game – “gossip.”  It never comes out the same.

          2.       The tale grows and must be justified.

          3.       Prov. 26:20.

B.      ASSASSINATES CHARACTER – INNOCENT PEOPLE SUFFER.

          1.       Great danger to the gossip and his listener in the act (Prov. 26:22-28).

          2.       Prov. 22:1.  If we ruin another’s reputation (Prov. 17:15;  18:6-8).

C.      ADDS FUEL TO THE FIRE OF STRIFE (Prov. 26:20-22).

D.      USUALLY ONE-SIDED – PREJUDICIAL (Prov. 18:17, 13).

E.      REVEALS A LACK OF BROTHERLY LOVE (Prov. 16:27-28;  17:9).

          1.       Our speech reveals much (Matt. 12:34-37).

          2.       What do our words reveal? (James 3:8-12).

F.      MAY COST US A FRIEND (Prov. 18:19).

CONCLUSION:

A.      GOSSIP IS UGLY, UNGODLY, AND SOUL DESTROYING (Eph. 4:29-32).

B.      GOD KNOWS!  THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOSSIP AND WHAT IS NEEDED!

C.      Lev. 19:6;  Prov. 11:13;  16:25;  17:9;  18:7-8;  20:19;  26:20-28;  29:20.

D.      ARE WE GUILTY?