Gossip vs. Godliness

Jeremy Paschall
04/12/15 - Sunday PM Worship

1. Introduction (Mt 12:34a-37; 15:11)
   • We simply cannot please the Lord without having control of our speech (1 Pet 3:10-12; James 1:26)
   • Our tongues give us ample opportunity to fail (James 3:1-12)
2. The Sin of Gossip
   • Bible words: talebearing, whispering, slandering.
   • And these are consistently condemned! (Pr 10:18; Eph 4:31-32; 1 Pet 2:1; 4:15)
   • Gossip...
     • is not necessarily untrue, nonetheless intended to assail one's reputation. (Ps 15:1-3)
     • the genesis of much contention and strife. (Pr 6:16-19; 16:27-28; 17:9; 26:20)
     • runs amok of Jesus' "golden rule."
   • Instead... (Pr 25:9-10)
3. Some practical considerations:
   • We are too hasty to excuse ourselves in this!
   • The dangers of technology.
   • A word of warning to women... (1 Tim 5:13; Titus 2:3ff)
4. How to control gossip:
   • Know the danger.
   • Be honest.
   • Shut the cage. (Pr 17:28)
   • Close the cans.
5. Conclusion (Mt. 12:36-37)
   • "He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles." (Pr 21:23)
   • "I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle.." (Ps 39:1)