And if they want to draw you into verbal snake pit they usually will want you to promise or swear to this as a private matter. But before you even answer they unload!

You promise not to repeat this----BUT------ 

Be it a quilting bee years ago or a cell phone today there is no difference except  speed. 

Lev 19:16  Thou shalt not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I [am] the LORD. 

Pro 11:13  A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. 

1Ti 5:13  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.

 

 

How to stop most gossip against thy neighbour, our Lord as always has the key. Mat 18:15-17  Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.  (16)  But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  (17)  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

 

Gossip in itself is a terrible thing and repeating what is unproved is a sin, but there is nothing worse against thy neighbour then premeditated SLANDER! 

Pro 10:18  He that hideth hatred [with] lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, [is] a fool. 

Slander is a goal to  hurt another character and reputation and even going as far as to destroy them. 

1.    Why is the person telling you this?

2.    What is their motive?

 

 

The axiom that a guilt conscience has a firm grip—it will grasp the first lie that comes along--- has much weight.

  Yet no one has ever been slandered or lie about more than our Lord.

 

Luke 23:2  And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

 

A Christian should never be guilty of repeating gossip or spewing forth the poison of slander.  

But on the other hand if you witness you can expect gossip and slander. Our Saviour spoke these words to prepare you.

 

Luke 6:26  Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.  

1Peter 4:14  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

I promised Brother Kevin Rae that I  would not say anything---BUT!