Scripture: Song of Solomon 2:15 (KJV)15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
Here is one, that all of us are guilty of, because people talking is just part of living in the flesh. (Boy, I look forward to getting rid of this body and getting that glorified body.) It is our nature to be social human beings, but we still don’t have to discuss people or their problems. In the bible a gossip is listed up there with a murderer or a thief to GOD. I Peter 4:15 (KJV) 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
2 Gossip–Definition: The Hebrew word translated “gossip” in the Old Testament is defined as “one who reveals secrets, one who goes about as a talebearer or scandal-monger.” Is a person who has privileged information about people and proceeds to reveal that information to those who have no business knowing it. Somebody who informs against other people: or spreads malicious rumors, a busybody.
Let’s look at a few of the things about this so called “small sin”:
It stirs strife: 1 Timothy 5:13 (KJV) 13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
Causes Slander: Psalms 50:20 (KJV) 20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother’s son.
Rises from Hatred: Psalm 109:3 (KJV) 3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.
Makes you tell your friends deepest secrets, that you have been trusted with: Proverbs 20:19 (KJV) 19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Hypocrites are addicted to: Psalms 50:20, (KJV) 20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother’s son. Proverbs 11:9 (KJV) 9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
You are a fool to indulge in: Proverbs 10:18 (KJV) 18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
Separates friends: Proverbs 16:28 (KJV) 28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. Proverbs 17:9 (KJV) 9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
We as women, (according to the Bible) are apparently more prone to indulge in this, because the Bible specifically warns us: Titus 2:3 (KJV) 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 1 Timothy 3:11 (KJV) 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
Sows discord among the brethren: Proverbs 6:19 (KJV) 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Causes Deadly wounds: Proverbs 18:8 (KJV) 8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Proverbs 26:20-22 (KJV) 20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
and as with so many of these “little foxes” that I have studied about, it causes anger: Proverbs 25:23 (KJV) 23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
(Next…. Part 3 A Critical Spirit)
Scriptural Thoughts........ 