Gossipers, Slanderers, Talebearers And Whisperers!

Gossipers, Slanderers, Talebearers and Whisperers!

Let’s see what Scripture has to say about gossipers, slanderers, talebearers and whisperers. Gossip has neither legs nor wings. It is composed entirely of tales, and most of them stings. If people did not carry gossip, it would not go so far. Let us look at what should we be "gossiping" about?

Philippians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I. Gossipers can not be trusted:

Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

Gossip: Something that goes in one ear and out the mouth.

The difference between gossip and news is whether you hear it or tell it.

Many people are wise until they open their mouth.

II. Gossipers destroy friendships:

Proverbs 16:28 A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.

A wound caused by words is more painful than a wound caused by an arrow.

Arabian Proverb

Gossip can estrange the closest friends.

Jewish Proverb

III. Gossipers can not keep a secret:

Proverbs 20:19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.

A rumor is about as hard to unspread as butter.

A secret between two is a secret of God; a secret among three is everybody’s secret.

IV. Gossipers cause strife everywhere they go:

Proverbs 26:20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

V. God will judge Gossipers harshly:

Psalm 101:4-5 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure.

VI. Gossipers are unrighteous and debased:

Romans 1:28- And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents

A gossip usually makes a mountain out of a molehill by adding some dirt.

VII. Gossipers have too much time on their hands:

1 Timothy 5:13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

VIII. Gossipers are disorderly and lazy:

2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

Busy people have no time to be busybodies. Be busy, but not a busybody!

Spanish Proverb

IX. Do not gossip. Don’t spread stories. Don’t rationalize having to disseminate "information" so that people can "pray properly" How many times our mouths get us in trouble. How many things can you think of that you wish you could take back? How desensitized we have become to this scourge of "informing" each other. As one dog can start all the dogs to barking, so one person can start a whole group to gossiping.

X. What should we be "gossiping" about?

Philippians 4: . 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things

Sometimes I think the whole Christian world is made up of just two groups: those who speak their faith and accomplish significant things for God, and those who criticize and malign the first group. - Don Basham,

Meditate on these things. Think about these things. Talk concerning these things. Tell stories of these things. "Gossip" about these things. To successfully combat gossip, ignore it.

Go and tell the Good News, shout it from the rooftops, tell it over the fence, tell it in the streets. Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.