Gossiping, backstabbing, and lying – are all traits that should never be named in the Body of Christ – but they are there all the same. Hidden jealousy, covetousness, and bitterness don’t really stay buried – they ooze out of our mouths with the greatest of ease – but leave a sticky coating that is hard to escape from. Words once spoken can never be taken back.
Proverbs 10:18-19
18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
Wow! Hiding hatred with lying lips. . . how awful. But it’s all too true. We comfort ourselves by sugar coating what we are doing, thinking we are not hurting anyone, but it puts us in the category of fool no matter what the reason. Cutting up someone’s appearance, children, marriage – whatever – is nothing more than slander. If it’s not something you can say directly to the person – then do not say it! This includes tearing apart the pastor’s sermon in the car on the way home from church. Repeating something you’ve heard is a dangerous and shameful practice. So is embellishing and exaggerating something that may be true in order to make it more interesting to your listeners.
slander, lying, and gossiping are all acts of self centeredness. they are the hallmark of the baby christian. this sin is one of the greatest detriments to the furtherance of the gospel to a lost and dying world. it is a demonstration of the opposite of love – which is hate.
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin:
Did you realize that the more you talk, there is more chance of you saying something wrong? The odds are against you. Those who run-off at the mouth, are notorious for putting their foot in that same mouth. Even when you are not talking about yourself (which most talkers do) you are still feeding your ego, by holding your listener(s) hostage. Parents – this includes lecturing of your children or spouse. Less is more in this case, and in every case. The longer your spiel – the greater chance you will sin, and sin big, during the overflow.
20but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
There is a reason why God gave us two ears, and only one mouth!
The Vine Vigil 