Sins of the Tongue Ephesians 4:29

Meddling 1 Timothy 6:5 (verb) 1 Peter 4:15 (noun)

Meddling Where’s the line? There is a difference between offering advice and meddling. 1 Timothy 6:5 literally refers to “continual rubbing”. Continued bickering, arguing, intruding where unwelcome. Also implies “useless” ideas—constant bickering over things that don’t really matter.

Meddling Where’s the line? This is not an excuse to keep quiet when we should speak! Galatians 6:1-2 But let’s not jump to conclusions, ask questions and find out information. Don’t meddle in things you do not know about.

Meddling Why Do People Do It? They think it makes them look better. It makes them feel better about themselves. They like to control others.

Gossip Leviticus 19:16 Proverbs 11:13 Proverbs 16:28 Proverbs 18:8 Proverbs 20:19 Proverbs 26:20 Romans 1:29

Gossip Gossip—noun, one who chatters idly about others Idle—adjective, 1. useless, futile; 2. unfounded [idle rumors] Rumor—noun, 1. general talk not based on definite knowledge; 2. an unconfirmed report, story, etc. in general circulation Webster’s Definitions

Gossip A rumor is passed by gossip. Gossip can also be spreading confirmed information. Three important questions to ask DDoes this person need to know this information? WWill spreading this information help or hurt the person it is about? DDid I agree to keep the information quiet?

Slander Proverbs 10:18 2 Timothy 3:2-3 Slander—noun, the utterance of falsehood that damages another’s reputation