• Definition of gossip
  • Idle word – word that does nothing
  • Slander – oral communication of false statements
  • Matthew 12:36-37
  • Why is there so much gossip?
    • No preaching on it.
    • It is a rationalization of self-righteousness.
    • Gossips do not have the mentality for serious conversation.
  • Undoubtedly much evil is done
    • If someone tells something bad about you, I cannot possibly feel the same about both of you!
      • If I believe the tale, I will not feel the same about you.
      • If I do not believe the tale, I will not feel the same about the one who told it.
    • What good does it do?
      • The only time I need to report any actual evil of someone is when I’m seeking information as to how to help the person involved.
      • -or- when it will help somebody else. For example:
        • If I know someone is a poor credit risk.
        • Advising someone against associating with someone.
        • Reporting sin in the church (I Corinthians 1:11).
      • Scriptures
        • Leviticus 19:16
        • Psalms 50:20
        • Proverbs 20:19
        • Ezekiel 22:9
        • Psalms 15:1-3
        • Proverbs 16:28
        • Proverbs 17:9
        • Proverbs 18:8
        • Proverbs 26:20-22
        • Proverbs 6:16-19
        • James 4:11
        • I Peter 2:1
        • II Corinthians 12:20
        • Romans 1:29-31
      • We will be judged by our words and deeds!