“Where there is no wood, the fire goes out, and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body. Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. He who hates, disguises it with his lips and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly…A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:20-26, 28).
Gossips
Gossip is a poison which destroys families, friendships (Prov. 16:28), and fellowship within the body of Christ. The gossip’s tongue is ever adding the needed fuel to keep the fires of strife burning and thus injuring others.
Gossip is usually packaged with the appealing wrapping paper of secrecy. Its exclusive information (Prov. 20:19) masks its toxicity and makes it appear to be a tasty trifle (Prov. 18:8). To the ear its toxicity is not detected, but once it has reached the heart its target has been hit.
Beware and avoid gossips.
