No More Biting

Sticks and Stones – No More Biting Proverbs 20:19 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip. (NASB) The Recognition Of Gossip: 1. Gossip is when you share information someone asked you not to share Proverbs 20:19 A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers. (NLT) Proverbs 26:22 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. (NASB) The Recognition Of Slander 1. Slander is when you speak something false about someone to hurt them Proverbs 10:18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. (NIV) 2. Slander is when you speak something true about someone to hurt or damage them Psalm 35:15 But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; assailants gathered against me without my knowledge. They slandered me without ceasing. (NIV) The Problem With Gossip And Slander 1. They separate close friends Proverbs 16:28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. (NIV) Proverbs 25:23 As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger! (NLT) 2. They contaminate your life Proverbs 18:8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly? (The Message) 3. They cause church problems 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. (NIV) Matthew 18:15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. (NLT) 4. They hurt other people Leviticus 19:16 “‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people. “‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord. (NIV) 5. They reveal you are not a trustworthy person Proverbs 11:13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. (NIV) 6. They will keep you from God’s presence Psalm 15:1–3 Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? 2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. 3 Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. (NLT) The Cure For Gossip and Slander 1. Stay out of other people’s business 1 Timothy 5:13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. (ESV) 2. Don’t associate with gossipers and slanderers 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. (NIV) Proverbs 20:19 A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers. (NLT) 3. Be a part of the solution not the problem Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)