>> Verses to Scan (NIV)
- Proverbs 11:13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
- 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.
- James 3:9-12 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
>> Websites to check
These recommended websites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of Zondervan, nor do we vouch for their content.
- www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2001/003/4.32.html. A true story of the painful effects of gossip and some ideas for how to confront it.
- http://www.relevantmagazine.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=849 The article “Six Ways to Throw a Gossip,” practical advice for dealing with gossip.
>> Thoughts to Ponder
- Many times when we cut others down, we’re really trying to build ourselves up. Check your heart—what’s motivating you to say cruel things about others? Jealousy? Insecurity? Anger? Deal with the heart issue rather than deflecting the attention off of you (see Matthew 12:34).
>> Books to Read
- The Problem of Gossip by F. Franklin Wise, information on gossip and its negative effects.
Find out how to buy this... - Grapevine: The Spirituality of Gossip by Jerry Camery-Hoggart, more information about gossip.
Find out how to buy this...