Words carry power.
They can repair relationships or slice someone’s heart to the core.
A good speaker can navigate the pitfalls of pending legislation and keep government on its course, and a bad one can fail at every junction along the way.
Closer to home, whispered words of gossip are our downfall. The news is so juicy, and everyone wants to know.
Of course we must tell.
God says to stop with the gossip. Shut it down. Keep it to yourself, even if you know it’s true. It doesn’t need said.
Here are six reasons to let gossip die before it leaves your tongue.
Leviticus 19:16 says God doesn’t permit it.
“You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.”
Proverbs 18:8 says gossip is a poison that destroys us from the inside.
“The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.”
Proverbs 20:19 says we are to avoid gossipers.
“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.”
Proverbs 11:13 says we are faithful when we conceal harmful secrets.
“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.”
Proverbs 16:28 says gossip drives friends apart.
“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”
Psalm 52:2 says our tongues can be deadly when we speak carelessly.
“Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.”
We are in control of our words. Sometimes we need to simply close our mouths, no matter how difficult it seems. Turn your head. Hang up the phone. Take a drink. Bite into your sandwich. Walk out of the room. Say, “No, thanks.”
Your words are more powerful than you know. Use them carefully.
God expects kindness. It starts with what we say.
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