If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless, and he deceives himself.
James 1:26 (CSB)
Seed Basket continues to walk through the book of Proverbs. Chapter 11 compares and contrasts Godly character qualities with sinful lifestyles.
This passage surveys sin such as hoarding, greed, dishonesty, false pride, foolishness, and more. But this study is devoted to the sin of gossip.
All of the sin listed dishonors God, first and foremost.
Against you—you alone—I have sinned
and done this evil in your sight.
So, you are right when you pass sentence.
you are blameless when you judge.
Psalm 51:4 (CSB)
Those in your world are not untouched by every thoughtless word.
Sin is our nature. Even saved people still struggle with it. Sin not only hurts us but it can be devastating to others.
Gossip is a terrible sin that many in the Church lump into a category of lesser sins. There are no lesser sins—no little white lies. All sin cost Jesus everything.
The sin of gossip is bad enough. But there are sins related to gossip that simply close doors of reconciliation. These types of sin ruin reputations and destroy any thought of trustworthiness. Sins related to gossip include judgement of others, unforgiveness, exaggerations, drama, and breaking confidences. The list goes on.
Pathways are open doors for trust when we use fewer, wiser words.
When you look at how many Christian homes are fragmented and estranged, you can be sure that too much talking and not enough listening, patience and understanding have taken place.
Mankind, he has told each of you what is good
and what it is the Lord requires of you:
to act justly,
to love faithfulness,
and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 (CSB)
The Bible points out that talking too much leads to foolish behavior and sin. (Proverbs 10:19)
So, let’s take a look at some passages from Proverbs 11.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.
9 With his mouth the ungodly destroys his neighbor,
but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.
12 Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks sense,
but a person with understanding keeps silent.
13 A gossip goes around revealing a secret,
but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.
Don’t you just love the straightforward, meaningful Truth of God’s Word?
Please share it’s hope in your world, today!
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
