The Words Of Our Mouth

An example of this happened just 2 weeks ago.
On my way home from my daughters took the taxi, police forensic had cordoned off an area, I said oh I wonder what has happened, the driver elaborated this women got stabbed by a 17 year old and some others involved she was a prostitute blah!

Later I read in our local newspaper Tribute to kind and caring grandmother, she had devoted 30 years of her life serving the community as district midwife visiting and caring for patients, also worked in a care home for the aged and infirm a naturally kind and caring person.
How awful and how damaging if for example I had passed on what the taxi driver had said to me.
Something to take on board if you can't say something nice say nothing. Of course there are times that others need to be warned but let us get our facts straight.
Blessings
Elaine.

The Words of Our Mouth
2 Timothy 2:23-3:5

Gossip is often regarded as a relatively harmless pastime, particularly when compared to wrongs like murder or adultery. Satan has painted talebearing as innocuous, but if we peel away that deception, we see the ugly truth. In the Bible, God lists gossip among the most depraved sins (Rom. 1:28-31).

Nothing about gossip is harmless. Whether the talk is intentionally hurtful or simply some idle musing, the subject can be hurt or embarrassed. A friend of mine decided to trace a damaging story about himself back to its source. He asked one man after another, "Where did you hear this?" Seventeen pastors later, he finally found the person who had originated the tale. This fellow admitted he had speculated aloud regarding a situation about which he knew little. A destructive chain reaction began with just one man jumping to a false conclusion while chatting with a friend.

Even if the victim never learns of the chitchat going on behind his or her back, gossip still has consequences. The people who spread a tale reveal their inner thinking: "For the mouth speaks out that which fills the heart," (Matt. 12:34). A poisonous tongue flows with the jealousy, resentment, or pride residing inside.

Gossip has the power to hurt feelings, destroy reputations, and divide churches. We do not have the right to bring such damage into anyone's life. In fact, God is the only One we should turn to when we hear a story. Those facing trials need prayer rather than tongues wagging over their misfortunes (Gal. 6:2).

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