Pastor Rob Wheeler

July 11, 2010

Wisdom Concerning Gossip

Various passages from Proverbs

I. Gossip defined

A. Working definition of gossip

2 Cor 12:20 I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. NIV

Rom 1:29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. NIV

B. Ways one can gossip are often subtle

C. Willingness to listen to gossip is as bad as spreading it (17:4; 18:8)

II. Gossip is destructive

A. Gossip can destroy people’s lives (11:9; 12:17&18; 18:21)

B. Gossip divides people (16:28; 26:20)

Matt 5:23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. NIV

C. Gossips divulge secrets without permission (11:13; 20:19; 25:9-10)