Gossip

Your words have the power to destroy someone’s self esteem, their reputation and their life! In fact, the Bible says in Matthew 12:36, “And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.” Wow! It doesn’t get more serious than that because your words could cost you eternal life! God has no use for slanderers, gossipers, or people who spread lies - period! In fact, He wants you to stay away from those who do. Proverbs 20:19 says, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” When someone confides in you, it is because they trust that you’ll keep their secret. Whether or not you keep their confidence says a lot about your character. A person who gossips is not a person with integrity, a person to be trusted, or a person you want to be friends with. The Bible says in Proverbs 11:13, “A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.” You can speak things into existence so be careful with your words. If you truly understood the evil just the slip of a tongue can do, you might stop and think before you open your mouth to say anything at all. You are responsible for not only what you say but also what you listen to. The only way to stop gossip is to refuse to listen. Don’t allow someone to disturb your peace by telling you what other people said about you or anyone else. Ask them to keep it to themselves. If they continue to talk - walk away. You can’t stop people from gossiping but you can control what “you” say and what “you” choose to listen to. Follow biblical advice in 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.” Text: Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 17:9, Psalm 141:3

© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com