Put Out the Fire / David Jeremiah

 

Put Out the Fire [Love] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:6   “Gossip” goes back to the Old English godsibb—a godfather, godmother, or baptismal sponsor. It evolved to refer to anyone who was a close friend, associate, or relative—that is, a person with whom one talks about intimate matters. The idea of “gossip” gradually became that of “idle talk”—the words themselves or the person who speaks them.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 18:8; 26:20

Proverbs has much to say about idle talk and those who engage in it. Sin is potential in a multitude of words; the one who restrains his speech is wise (Proverbs 10:19). A gossip’s words are like delectable sweets, going down deep in a person (Proverbs 18:8). The best way to put out a fire is to remove the wood; the best way to stop strife is to remove the gossip (Proverbs 26:20). In a neutral sense, gossip is just words between people—positive or negative words. But biblically, gossip is always viewed in a negative light. Gossip is kept alive by spreading rumors and recounting unsavory news that should remain private. Gossip is the opposite of “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Love does not delight in spreading rumors of dark deeds. Love participates only in what edifies and honors others.   Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.  Unknown