The Sin of Gossip and Slander - Paul M. Williams

Proverbs 11:13 The Bible speaks of a particular member of our body, so small and yet so powerful; "a little member, and boasteth great things...a fire, a world of iniquity...setteth on fire the course of nature; and is set on fire of hell...an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (Jms. 3).  Which member is this the Bible alludes to?  The tongue!! We are exhorted, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain" (Jms. 1:26).  As believers bound to the royal law of love, the word of God charges us strictly that we should not give ourselves to gossip and slander but rather we should love our fellow man!!  This message cuts to the very heart of the matter and exposes the malicious spirit behind gossip and slander.  The challenge goes forward with conviction calling believers to abstain from such talk.  May God give us grace to heed!!