One definition of a gossip – babbler, a tale-bearer.

Have you ever passed on “hearsay” or what you know about a person to another?  My friend, we are all guilty.  To our shame.
Keeping confidentiality is important.  Don’t let what you know negatively about another person go from your lips.

What does God say about gossips?
(NASB) Proverbs 20:19 “He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets,
Therefore do not associate with a gossip.”

How does God define gossips?
(NASB) Romans 1:28-29 “And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips…”

The LORD God does not mince words, He does not “soften” or make light of gossips.  In fact, he puts them in the same category as greedy, envious, murderous, deceitful people.  There is more that is listed, read Romans 1:28-29 again.

(NASB) 1 Timothy 5:13 “At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention…”

~ Take it to heart ~

You can choose to become an encourager… a strengthener of other people.
A smile with a positive word of encouragement goes a looooong way toward building up another person. Encouraging words grow relationships.

(NASB) 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another…”

Gossips tear down.
Encouragers build up.
Which will you choose to be today?