Scripture Thursday ~ The Power of Words

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

free for personal use or sharing
click for larger image

Last week’s verse was from Psalm 141:3 and had to do our mouths as well. 
Set a watch, O Lord before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.  Psalm 141:3 (KJV)
I’m continuing with the same theme this week. 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,
but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs,
that it may benefit those who listen.  Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

One of the ways we can get ourselves into trouble with our mouths is through gossip. According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, gossip is:

One who runs from house to house, tattling and telling news; an idle tattler
To prate; to chat; to talk much
To run about and tattle; to tell idle tales.

In the Bible Study book Growing in Wisdom and Faith by Elizabeth George (a study on the book of James), we learn about three categories of gossip.

Malicious Gossip ~ consciously and deliberately hurtful.  Based on envy and rooted in selfishness.  Designed to break up relationships and destroy friendships.

…..a whisperer separates the best of friends.  Proverbs 16:28 NKJV

A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. 
Proverbs 11:13 NKJV

Rationalization Gossip ~ Quite a bit more subtle than “Malicious”.  The person who rationalizes has convinced themselves that they are doing it for “the good” of the other person.  This kind of gossip can be very destructive.

Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
Proverbs 26:20 NKJV

free for personal use or sharing
click for larger image

Innocent Gossip ~ A person who is truly concerned but sometimes motivated by the desire to be “helpful” and perhaps prove to others just how helpful she really is. 


You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people;  nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor…  Leviticus 19:16 NKJV

With some of the online social medias, and the ability to text, email or communicate from anywhere with a touch of a button, gossip is readily available to anyone who has the time or interest to read it. 

The north wind brings forth rain, And backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
Proverbs 25:23 NKJVThis is a brief well done music video about our tongues, and is a good lesson for all, children through adults.

I know of one woman whose pregnancy was announced on a social media before she had an opportunity to tell her parents the good news.  I’m sure you can think of some instances where news was told before someone was ready or wanted to tell it. Perhaps it’s even happened to you.





If it's not YOUR news, don't:
tell it,
type it,
text it or
tweet it. 

If someone has shared a prayer request with you, pray for them.  But please, please do not take it upon yourself to spread the word for everyone you know to pray as well, UNLESS the individual has asked you to.  If you don’t have permission, this falls under the category of “Innocent Gossip”.

Put yourself in that person’s situation, would you want your issue mentioned far and wide?  Probably not!  Many people are private about their personal business, such as health issues.  If you had a diagnosis of cancer, you most likely would like to tell your loved ones and friends in your own way, in your own time. 

Thank you for stopping by today my friends.  I hope this today’s post will serve as a refresher course to be mindful of our words (myself included).  As women, our words pack a lot of power, especially in social circles. Do what you need to do to tame your tongue.  Use it to HELP, not hurt; to ENCOURAGE, not discourage; to LOVE, not hate; to BUILD UP, not tear down; to SOOTHE, not sting.

This post is linked to: Word Art Wednesday,   Domestically Divine Tuesday, Whatever You Want Wednesday, Titus2uesdays, Think on These Things, Women in the Word Wednesdays, Hearts 4 Home Thursday,  Proverbs 31 Thursdays, Monday Musings, Deep Roots at Home,