"News"

Not sure how often you look at the "trending" feature on yahoo.ca, but my eyes always seem to glance over to see what is getting the most "buzz" each day.  This morning I realized that, "gossip," seems to get most of the buzz.  This morning, 6 out of 10 of the stories trending have no evidence that they are are true.  In fact, all of them say, "the rumour is..."

I'm not bringing this up to warn anyone else but to remind me of the dangers of gossip.  At google.ca I just typed in, "What does the Bible say about gossip?"    There were over 2 million suggestions!

Here are some warnings from the Bible about gossip:

Ephesians 4:29 ESV /

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Proverbs 16:28 ESV / 

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Proverbs 11:13 ESV / 

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

Proverbs 20:19 ESV / 

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV /

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Titus 3:2 ESV / 109 helpful votes

To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people

As you can see, both the Old and New Testaments warn of the dangers of gossip.  Some of the highlights are: dishonest man spreads strife, whoever slanders reveals secrets (even if you were told not to), the Lord hates a lying tongue...Yikes!!!

As per usual, a song does a much better job of explaining what I'm trying to say. 

Enjoy Hawk Nelson - Words