Pastor Dewey Note: I am blessed to not take part in gossip and arguments. Only fools do. I will not argue to make a Biblical point. I will make my case with the love of Jesus and stand on His ground and smile. People that gossip hurt others so very much! I had a man awhile back that told me that he was hurt by gossip almost 50 years ago and it still causes him anxiety to this day! Gossip does more damage that you might think! Lives are ruined! When I think of the last 6 years in America, gossip and arguments have caused great damage to our Country, many Christians have gone off the rails into crazy land. Social media is full of fools, and if you are not grounded in the Word of our Lord you will go off the rails. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. Like cutting off one’s feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.
Proverbs 18:2
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
You don’t want to be a gossip. There is no upside to being one. Gossips hurt neighbors, divide friends, and damage reputations and relationships. The Bible labels gossips as untrustworthy and meddlesome (Proverbs 11:13; 20:19; 26:20; 1 Timothy 5:13) — and even as worthy of death (Romans 1:29, 32). At your best in Christ, you don’t want to be one.
All too often, however, you and I do want to gossip. Gossiping can be fun and addictive and provide a short burst of guilty pleasure. The book of Proverbs likens the words of a gossip to “delicious morsels,” a tasty treat that promises delight to those who indulge (Proverbs 18:8; 26:22). We get bored and want to entertain ourselves by snacking on the shameful stories of other people’s lives.
