Put Out The Fire!
"Love does not rejoice in
iniquity, but rejoices in
the truth."
1 Corinthians 13: 6
“Gossip” goes back to the Old English godsibb,
a godfather, godmother, or baptismal sponsor.
It evolved to refer to anyone who was a close
friend, associate, or relative—that is, a person
with whom one talks about intimate matters.
Proverbs has much to say about idle talk and
those who engage in it. "Sin is potential in a
multitude of words; the one who restrains his
speech is wise" in Proverbs 10:19. A gossip’s
words are like delectable sweets, going down
deep in a person says (Proverbs 18:8).
The best way to put out fire is to remove the
wood; the best way to stop strife is remove
gossip (Proverbs 26:20). In a neutral sense,
gossip is just words between people—
positive or negative words.
Biblically, gossip is always viewed in the
negative light. Gossip stays alive spreading
rumors and recounting unsavory news that
must remain private. Gossip is the opposite
of “speaking truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
Love does not delight in spreading
rumors of dark deeds. Love shares
only in what edifies and honors
others.
"Whoever gossips to
you will gossip about
you."
Unknown