An interesting perspective

I was reading a blog the other day and came across this post about gossip. It hit home for me. I am not going to assume that gossip is a problem for you, but I do know that I struggle with this area and that some may too.

Elizabeth Writes-

So I know that she's specifically talking about gossiping about her child- that was the part that spoke to me- I don't want to gossip about my little one. I need to be careful about my words and think about how they will affect her. Even if I were to try to hide it, she'd see (they always do!) And I also feel like I need to be more careful to watch my words in general- often times I think we as Christian (an maybe more ladies!?) will use- a "pray for so and so because of...." to spread gossip.

Here are some tidbits of info about gossip- (taken from a question and answer website-)

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.” A gossiper is a person who has privileged information about people and proceeds to reveal that information to those who have no business knowing it. Gossip is distinguished from sharing information in two ways:

1. Intent. Gossipers often have the goal of building themselves up by making others look bad and exalting themselves as some kind of repositories of knowledge.

2. The type of information shared. Gossipers speak of the faults and failings of others, or reveal potentially embarrassing or shameful details regarding the lives of others without their knowledge or approval. Even if they mean no harm, it is still gossip.

And finally, I did some looking up of verses about gossip. OUCH! I'm going to copy a few of these down as reminders for me. Is this hitting home for anyone else? I'd love to hear some feedback- Thank you Lord for this time of conviction- may my words be pleasing to you in all I say.

LEV 19:16  "'Do not go about spreading slander among your people. "'Do not  do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the LORD.  

PSA 34:13  keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.  

101:5  Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence;  whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.  

PRO 6:19  a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up  dissension among brothers.  

10:18  He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads  slander is a fool.  

11:9  With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through  knowledge the righteous escape.  

13  A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.