It is very easy to gossip. What starts as idle talk can easily lead to exaggerations, half-truths and false impressions, all of which can do great damage (James 3:2,5).
An ancient Israelite proverb expresses the truth that the more a person talks, the more he is liable to sin (Prov 10:19). This is one reason why the Bible constantly urges people to control their tongues (Ps 141:3; Prov 16:23; 17:27-28; James 1:19; 3:7-10).
Gossip can become a habit; worse still, an enjoyable habit (Prov 11:13; 18:8). In spreading rumors, people may have the deliberate intention to slander others (Ps 31:13; 50:20; Prov 10:18; Rom 3:8) or they may just be foolish talkers (Prov 26:20; Eccles 5:3; Matt 12:36), but either way they cause trouble (Prov 26:18-20).
God links gossip with some of the most hateful sins (Rom 1:29-30), and constantly warns his people against it (Ps 101:5; Prov 10:19; 2 Cor 12:20; James 4:11; 1 Peter 2:1). All who are in positions of leadership or influence must be especially careful not to gossip (1 Tim 3:11; Titus 2:3).
For more about the series, My Big Mouth go to www.ridgefellowship.com
Upwards Church 