IS IT EVER RIGHT TO GOSSIP?

IS IT EVER RIGHT TO GOSSIP?

"He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever
spreads slander is a fool. A perverse man stirs up
dissension, and a gossip separates close friends."
-- Proverbs 10:18; 16:28 (NIV)

The story is told about R.G. LeTourneau who was very well
known for his company which manufactured large earthmoving
equipment. He shared how his company used to make a scraper
known as "Model G." On one occasion somebody asked a
salesman what the "G" stood for. The man, quick on the draw,
immediately replied, "The 'G' stands for gossip because like
a talebearer this machine moves a lot of dirt and moves it
fast!"

A Daily Encounter reader asks if there is a difference
between
gossip, slander, and warning others about dangerous or evil
people.

Slander is maliciously destroying another's character with a
false statement. It is never right. As the Bible says, "The
LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who
are truthful" (Proverbs 12:22, NIV).

A gossip, according to Webster, is "a person who chatters or
repeats idle talk and rumors, especially about the private
affairs of others." Rumors may or may not be true. Often
they aren't. Such rumors can be very destructive.

With either gossip or slander, we wouldn't think of stealing
another person's transportation, but think nothing about
stealing his reputation.

Not all gossip is blatant. It can take on subtle forms. For
example, we may act very piously by suggesting we need to
pray for "so-and-so" with a negative hint about this person.
Or when somebody's name comes up, we may simply say in a
negative tone of voice, "Oh, him!" sowing doubt in the
listener's mind. . .and swear that we never gossip about
anybody!

However, there are some dangerous people we need to warn
others about. The Apostle Paul did. He talked about people
who, among other things, would "be lovers of themselves,
lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, unholy,
slanderous, without self-control, brutal, treacherous. . .
"Have nothing to do with them," Paul said. "They are the
kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over
weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are
swayed by all kinds of evil desires. . .Just as Jannes and
Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the
truth--men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is
concerned, are rejected" (See 2 Timothy 3:2-8 (NIV).

With God's help let's strive never to gossip and certainly
never to slander. When and if we sense a need to give a
warning about a dangerous person, there is a basic,
fundamental Biblical guide with two parts: Let us be certain
that we always tell the truth and always speak it in love.

"Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I'm sure that most of the time
when I gossip, I don't even know I'm doing it. When I do,
please nudge me with your Holy Spirit and deliver me from
the sin of gossiping. Help me never to slander anyone and
always be aware of and warn about dangerous people, some of
whom are sheep in wolves' clothing. Gratefully in Jesus'
name. Amen."

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